The Negative Consequences Of Perfectionism

Perfectionist people seek success relentlessly, even though nothing seems to be enough. Despite this, they suffer from the negative consequences of perfectionism.

Almost everything causes them dissatisfaction, because their level of demand is excessive and even illusory, since they think they could always do better. Therefore, not complying with each of the proposed goals ends up generating high levels of stress and exhaustion.

When the routine turns into a marathon, the feeling of not having enough time to reach the goal is quite common. Well, if we also add a dose of perfectionism, this lack of time not only stresses, but also suffocates. Although it seems like a paradox, perfection is not always perfect. On many occasions, and against all odds, it causes far more inconveniences than benefits to our physical and emotional health.

Perfectionist people are often insecure due to their demanding levels and are constantly feeling bad as they want to reach a level of perfection that prevents them from finishing what they are working on. Thus, to avoid these excessive behaviors it is important that we are aware of who we are and that we value our virtues and efforts.

The paradox of perfectionism

There is nothing wrong with striving to make things the best possible way, but we have to be aware of our own limitations. Being frustrated by not achieving perfection in everything is the curious paradox of perfectionism. This characteristic has devastating effects on physical and emotional health when it happens in excess. In fact, a study at Yale University linked perfectionism to a high risk of depression and suicide.

Normally, perfectionism starts to appear from childhood and tends to increase progressively in the student stage. Well, it is not necessary for this characteristic to be present in all areas of a person’s life, although it is normal for it to expand to everyone. Some people are only perfectionists at work, sports, and interpersonal relationships, while others strive to be perfect in every area of ​​their lives. There are many factors that can interfere with this.

Physical and emotional symptoms as negative consequences of perfectionism

A study by the University of Brock, Ontario, examined the relationship between perfectionism and physical health in 492 people, aged between 24 and 35 years old. The results concluded that perfectionists are more likely to feel bad and complain about lack of sleep, pain and fatigue than those who are not. Furthermore, they feel a great fear of failure.

Perfectionists also usually have high levels of anxiety which, added to the previously mentioned insecurity factor, lead them to such a high degree of suffering that they may have an anxiety crisis, excessive fatigue or even a lack of motivation when they are not able to what they propose.

As we see, perfectionism is not a quest for what is best. It’s chasing the worst of us, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough or good enough. It’s okay to demand of yourself, but always within healthy limits.