Why are some people perfectionists?

Question

... Just wondering. I'm a bit of a perfectionist in certain areas of my life, and I find it something that's rather annoying, actually! I can't just do something well, I have to do it perfectly (to my standards, at least!). If I try to do something and mess up, even the slightest bit, I have *such* a hard time letting it go.
So... anyways... why are some people perfectionists? What causes perfectionism? How can I break myself of this and just learn to be accepting of good or even mediocre (just not perfect) work? Are there instances in which perfectionism is a good thing, and if so, what are they?

Thanks for your input. =)

Answer 1

I do think perfectionism is a good thing most of the time. I, myself, am a perfectionist. Perfectionists work harder and have more determination, resulting in better results. The downside is more stress and anger when something isn't done perfectly.

If it's one thing high school taught me, it's that good/mediocre is okay to be once in awhile. The key to accepting good, mediocre, or even failure on things like academics, the arts, sports, etc. is positive thinking. It may seem annoying and weird at first, but if one keeps thinking positively, failure is easier to accept. For example, if you received a 70 on a test, just think things like, "Well, I have the whole marking period to bring it up," "This gives me an incentive to work harder next time," "Everyone else probably did worse than me anyway," "It's just one test," and "I can learn from my mistakes."

Some people are perfectionists because their parents or peers pressured them into competition, leading to perfectionism. Perfectionists often want to be better than average, better than above average, or the best of the best. This could be a result of their upbringing, or perhaps, when they were young, they tasted success--and liked it. One who has a taste of achievement and success will most likely strive to achieve it again, eventually leading to perfectionism to get that good feeling of knowing that YOU are the best out of everyone else all the time.

So, I would suggest to you to think about things in perspective. A few decades from now, will it matter if you messed something little up? What is more important to you in life than perfecting whatever it is you are a perfectionist at? Think positively if you're feeling frustrated or sad at not being able to perfect something. Nobody's perfect. Remember, life is only so long, and the goal of life is to be as happy as you can. Be happy, think positively, and remember that you are an amazing and unique individual that your family and friends love.

Answer 2

hmm im not sure why. but i have an asian friend, and her parents are really strict with her school work, so she HAS to get all A's, do good in school, etc. but another one of my british friends and she is a bit of a perfectionist, gets mad when she gets a A-!!!

I'm not sure how to explain it. Sometimes, a lot of the time, its bad because it can get in the way of you doing something. It can also be good. For example: your in high school, your a perfectionist so you HAVE to get all A's. you succeed in that. then colleges will want you.

Sometimes I think its good that some people can be like that. I've also realized that the perfectionists are always the ones that say "I'm going to fail this test" but end up passing with flying colors. I hate that. Most of the time it just annoys me. Like when people get mad when they get an A-, they need at least an A. I mean come on!! It's only a half of a grade. And most of the time I don't even try, and I get mainly A's and B's. So I really don't understand the whole perfectionism thing either.

Answer 3

Some people are pressured into being perfect in every way possible. Sometimes they even feel like making a mistake is embarassing and lowering their self-esteem, and they might become a better person if they are perfect. Better in sports, relationships, etc. Well it's good to do something good but perfectionism in my opinion is no one. They feel they are perfect but really, no one is in other words. If you want to get out of it, It's a concept you must teach yourself. You may think you are perfect but you aren't.

Answer 4

Both my husband and I struggle with this tendency, though chronic fatigue syndrome has forced me to give this up to preserve what energy I do have.

Most people are perfectionists due to underlying anxiety. They're over compensating by setting rediculously high standards for themselves (and sometimes others). If they can meet those standards, everything will be all right. If they are unable to meet those standards, something uncomfortable or unpleasant might happen. Being perfectionistic to begin with saves them from the discomfort.

Answer 5

Pressure to be the best, this type of pressure can be put on by family members mostly (although they may not realize this).