5 Signs You Might Be A Perfectionist
You Might Be a Perfectionist If…
There are so many stories or examples I can give when it comes to having perfectionism “tendencies or quirks” (that’s what I used to call them) until one day I was called out for being a perfectionist. I think deep down I knew it but just said “oh it’s my anxiety.”
And that is true, there is a deep link between anxiety and perfectionism and perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Shoot, one whole subcategory of imposter syndrome is the Perfectionist Type. And anxiety certainly adds fuel to the perfectionist’s fire.
Perfectionism isn’t just about getting that “A” on the school paper and if you don’t your life plans are out the window. Struggling with perfectionism can create a lot of challenges for self and in relationships. If you are unsure if you are a perfectionist, keep reading to check out some of these signs and see how they show up in your life.
In this blog, I’m sharing with 5 signs you may be a perfectionist.
I am a therapist in Wilmington, NC and specialize in counseling for women with perfectionism. I provide anxiety treatment, therapy for imposter syndrome, and burnout counseling. In addition to in-person therapy appointments at my Wilmington, NC counseling office, I also provide online therapy in North Carolina and Maryland.
Ready to start therapy with me? Click the button below to schedule your free 15 minute consultation on the date and time of your choice.
Keep reading to find out more information on perfectionism and if you can relate to these 5 common signs of being a perfectionist.
5 Common Signs of Perfectionism
Check out these 5 common signs of a perfectionist.
#1 Sign of Perfectionism: You Set Very High Standards for Yourself and Others
You expect the very best of yourself and expect others to give the same effort. When you or others “fall short” often this creates increased anxiety, frustration, and unhelpful negative thoughts.
#2 Sign of Perfectionism: All-or-nothing Thinking
If it’s not perfect then it’s all bad and not good enough. This type of extreme thinking holds you back and can impact your self-esteem, motivation, and challenges with procrastination.
#3 Sign of Perfectionism: Never Feeling Satisfied Even When the Goal is Accomplished
Okay so two words here, moving target. Reaching the end goal is never enough and most likely you’re on to the next thing once you get there.
Placing an emphasis on values and using values to help guide your goals can help you stay more present and make your goals more meaningful.
#4 Sign of Perfectionism: You Like for Things to be Done a Particular Way
“If I want something done right, I’ll just do it myself.” Doing everything yourself leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout. So you let others help or delegate but then that also creates stress and anxiety. Does this sound familiar?
#5 Sign of Perfectionism: The Art of Relaxation Does Not Come Easy
Y’all this is a big one.
So often I hear my perfectionist clients tell me they don’t know how to relax. This whole concept is foreign.
Very common struggles include needing to be doing something, be productive, or attempting to sit down but your brain doesn’t shut down.
Begin Treatment for Perfectionism in Maryland at Calm Waters Counseling
It’s difficult to step away from the idea of you not being perfect or things not being perfect. The reality is this goal is unattainable to maintain day in and day out.
Initially, it may feel really good to know that you reached this goal and the praise and positive feedback from others emphasizes these thoughts and feelings as well. It is also important to acknowledge how being a perfectionist can hold you back and create problems in your life too.
These 5 common signs of perfectionism are a helpful indicator of perfectionism. Whether you know you’re a perfectionist or have spent time googling “am I a perfectionist” because you suspect you might be, how many of these signs do you recognize?
I use ACT and CBT for perfectionism treatment. Both of these therapy styles are effective for overcoming perfectionism.
Get started in therapy at Calm Waters Counseling by following these 4 simple steps:
Click the button below to schedule your free 15 minute consultation
Complete the brief questionnaire sent to your email before the consultation
Meet with your caring therapist
Start living your life with less anxiety
Additional Services Offered at Calm Waters Counseling for Women
High-achieving women are no strangers to experiencing anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout. To learn more about these services offered click links below.
Burnout counseling in North Carolina
Anxiety therapy in Wilmington, NC
Overcoming imposter syndrome in North Carolina
Learn more about me and my Wilmington, NC therapy practice.
In-person therapy appointments are available at my therapy office near UNCW, less than 10 minutes from downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.
Online Treatment for Perfectionism in Maryland
Calm Waters Counseling provides online therapy for perfectionism in North Carolina and Maryland.
Online therapy is easy to access and provides a way to be consistent with your therapy appointments. No longer do you have to wait until the end of your work day to get to your appointment.
If you are interested in checking out more information on online therapy in your state, click below.
Online therapy for perfectionism in North Carolina
Online therapy for perfectionism in Maryland
If you have been debating trying online therapy, read more about the pros and cons of using online therapy.
Still have questions? Get some answers!
Written by: Laura Rippeon, LCSW, LCSW-C