Perfectionism: One Of The Stronger Enemies Of Confidence

649 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essay on perfectionism

Confidence is built on the acceptance of yourself and your abilities. Perfectionism is the belief that you should do nothing if it is not done perfectly. So perfectionism is one of the stronger enemies of confidence. If you are going to develop your confidence, you need to suppress any leanings towards perfectionism. What is Perfectionism? Perfectionism is the unwillingness to do something unless you are guaranteed that it is perfect. In other words, perfectionism is holding yourself to an unattainable standard. Since nobody is perfect, and everybody makes mistakes, perfectionism will hold you back from doing anything new, different, or challenging. After all, you say to yourself, I might make a mistake. Perfectionism has two sources. The first source is a collection of fears. Fear of failure contributes; anything challenging carries the potential of failure, so fear of failure means you will not do anything challenging. This is rationalized by saying you want to make sure you do it absolutely right, which can never be assured and thus is part of perfectionism. Fear of looking bad to others is another contributor; if you cannot be guaranteed success, you might look bad to others, so you wait until you are guaranteed success (which is never), a form of perfectionism. Fear of the unknown also contributes, since unknown things may behave unexpectedly, and perfect people have everything under control. …show more content…

You know the current situation, and you are comfortable if not happy with the way things are. Why change them? Why take the risk? Why expend the effort? The only reason would be that you are guaranteed positive results, which means the situation must be perfect. Since guarantees are not possible, the situation is never right and nothing ever

Show More
Related

  • Maladaptive Perfectionism Case Study

    734 Words  | 2 Pages

    The mean of Maladaptive perfectionism was 2.47 (2dp) and a low SD of 0.74 (2dp). The also Low SD of Maladaptive perfectionism statistics indicate a low chance of variability in the dataset. The mean Maladaptive

    Read More

  • Atul Gawande's Mistakes as a Doctor

    1028 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...that can foil even the best plans. Perfection does not have a single definition, “The act of making something perfect or better”-Merriam Webster. It is up to each individual to decide whether he or she achieved perfection in their job, and the bar to determine that is similarly different for each individual. In the end when the task has been completed individuals shouldn’t necessarily ask themselves if they were perfect, they should ask themselves how they can improve from their experience. Achieving perfection is a constant chase, when one thinks they were perfect they must also realize that they could have been better. When an individual thinks they are perfect, they have given up on the chase for perfection. “Better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try.”

    Read More

  • Stereotypes Of Gymnastics

    558 Words  | 2 Pages

    When you are performing and competing as a gymnasts winning isn’t everything. For instance, when I would perform or compete on uneven bars if I was just happy with finishing my routine and not falling off the bars. Bars was my worst area in gymnastics. Almost every gymnasts has this area they dread but have to do. In this area if you didn’t win it didn’t matter as long as you did your best. Also just advancing in your skills is what matters to a gymnasts not winning. Another thing people say is all gymnasts are perfectionists. This is also a false statement. When being a gymnast you can’t be a perfectionist because if you are then every skill that you do won’t ever be good enough. Even the best of the best don’t do every skill perfectly. Gymnasts do spend a lot of time on one skill but that doesn’t mean that they are perfectionists. Many different components go into just one skill. For instance, doing a backflip in gymnastics you have to jump at the right time you have to tuck your legs in at the right time and point your toes. In many of the skills it is timing and it is very rare you go out there and do a performance completely perfect. To be a gymnast you can’t be a perfectionist because doing your best has to be good enough, otherwise you will constantly be down on yourself. For me when learning a new skill just landing on my feet makes me feel good. Then after I land it I worry

    Read More

  • Perfection Anxiety Analysis

    721 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Article “Perfection Anxiety” written by A.A Gill illustrates through his findings, that while the means to have everything you desire is by no means bad , neither is it the best. Throughout the article he talks about the phenomenon of “perfection anxiety”, a condition causing it’s host’s feelings of significant ennui, a circumstance found within the abhorrently wealthy portion of the world’s citizens. This psychological disorder is found to occur when the incomprehensibly rich have realized essentially, that they have run out of things to spend their money on, continuing to spend only to appease the ever imposing expectations and judgments of the wealthy.

    Read More

  • Perfectionism Essay

    791 Words  | 2 Pages

    The participant’s BDI scores reflected moderate depression severity in the depressed group (mean = 29.62, SD = 9.27), and no depression in the control group (mean = 3.26, SD = 3.83). To measure for the level of perfectionism of an individual the performance perfectionism scale which is a 32-item questionnaire that measures outcome expectancy for performance associated with perfectionism was used. The PPS indexes how individuals expect their perfectionism to influence their performance. To make a graph from the measurements two dimensions are used in this study include, the outcome expectancy for performance (positive or negative), and the source of the high standards for performance (self-generated or prescribed by others). Four subtypes of perfectionism are quantified in the PPS: Positive Self-Oriented Performance Perfectionism, Negative Self-Oriented Performance Perfectionism, Positive Socially Prescribed Performance Perfectionism, and Negative Socially Prescribed Performance Perfectionism. Another test was conducted to measure the depression symptoms which was called Beck depression inventory II. This test includes 21-items questionnaire and the coefficient alphas were .93 and .94 for the Cognitive and Non-Cognitive subscales, respectively. The results revealed that positive and negative outcome expectancy

    Read More

  • What Is Self Oriented Perfection In Society

    1034 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the article “Other-oriented Perfectionism Vs. Self-oriented Perfectionism” by James Anderson, he states, “Self-oriented perfectionists have exceedingly high personal standards, strive for perfection and expect themselves to be perfect.” Anderson, James. "Other-oriented Perfectionism Vs. Self-oriented Perfectionism." ReliaWire, 14 May 2015. http://reliawire.com/other-oriented-perfectionism-vs-self-oriented-perfectionism/ This type of perfectionist can cause mental health problems in people by having them struggle to reach the standards said in the above quote. One thing that one with self oriented perfection might struggle with is low self esteem because of their high standards. Another example of the different types of perfection would be Socially Prescribed perfection. “…believe that others hold unrealistic expectations for their behavior (and that they can't live up to this); experience external pressure to be perfect, believe others evaluate them critically.” Pychyl, Timothy A. “What Flavor of Perfectionist Are You? It Matters!” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 30 Apr. 2008, www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters. For one to believe that others want them to accomplish unrealistic standards can really affect the way someone feels about oneself. For some it might make one feel like one is unable to accomplish anything and

    Read More

  • The Origins of Anxiety

    359 Words  | 1 Pages

    Perfectionism is a common cause of low self-esteem. It is critical of every effort and convinces you that nothing is ever good enough. It can also cause you to drive yourself to the point of chronic stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Every time perfectionism counsels counsels you that you "should", "have to", or "must", you tend to push yourself forward out of anxiety, rather than from natural desire and inclination. The more perfectionistic you are, the more often you're likely to feel anxious.

    Read More

  • Perfectionism and Eating Disorders

    2558 Words  | 6 Pages

    Silverman, L.K. (I 99 5). Perfectionism. Paper discussed at the 1 1 th World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children, Honk Kong.

    Read More

  • South Carolina Perfectionism

    248 Words  | 1 Pages

    My potential for success at the University of South Carolina will be driven by my perfectionism. This has motivated me in many aspects of my life, from spending hours just on the introduction of a paper to establish the right tone, to staying late after practice perfecting a float serve in volleyball. Throughout my school, I am known as a leader who will step up and take on any project necessary, from becoming President of Spirit Club and organizing spirit weeks and pep rallies, to becoming captain of the volleyball team as a junior. My perfectionism motives me to execute all of these projects to the best of my ability and make them the best they can be, down to the smallest detail. The attention to detail my perfectionism gives me is also

    Read More

  • The Birth-Mark

    1490 Words  | 3 Pages

    But then her eyes sought Aylmer’s face with trouble and anxiety. She then said to him ‘Dearest Aylmer, I’m dying,’ and she died.” (Hawthorne 324). Perfectionism is something everyone should try to avoid. It can never bring comfort, instead it adds to the

    Read More

  • Hard Work: Hard Work, My Job And Family Work

    1026 Words  | 3 Pages

    During the school day, I always work my hardest to complete all of my homework, and if I end up bringing some home, I prefer to get it done as soon as possible. While working with my grandparents either in the garden or around the farm, I strive to impress them with my hard work and determination to get the job done. Even in my current job, I work hard to complete the given tasks correctly and also efficiently. Perfectionism is obviously incorporated in all of those working environments, and I believe that it pushes me harder and harder each day. As a result of my perfectionism the outcome of my work is usually the best it can be. Although it might limit me, I always give one hundred percent when it comes to completing various tasks, and find pride in being a hard

    Read More

  • Perfection: The Quality And Condition Of Being Perfect

    939 Words  | 2 Pages

    Whenever this happened, some always felt the need to blurt out that they knew something “the smart kid” didn’t; it was a terrible feeling that I tried hard to avoid. The concept of perfection also had a significant affect on my daily life outside of school. It prevented me from trying new things for fear of not being good at everything. As a perfectionist, I spent less time with my family because I was always studying, redoing notes, and “perfecting” assignments and

    Read More

  • What Does It Mean To Be Perfect

    861 Words  | 2 Pages

    The definition of perfection is being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects. This is a contradiction to the common principles of a human. Humans are born with a defect or flaw that extracts them from being perfect. Perfection is an abstract concept, that is only present in one's mind; thus everyone's view of perfect differs. Additionally, if everyone's view of perfect differs, it would be impossible for everyone to agree on their view of a perfect society.

    Read More

  • What Makes A Perfectionist?

    628 Words  | 2 Pages

    They are not better than others, but they give others the impression they are better. A perfectionist also creates barriers that set up irrelevant standards others cannot reach or that other people do not care to reach. When you create barriers, it’s kind of like sitting in the car with the engine running but never opening

    Read More

  • The Main Problems of Rationalism

    892 Words  | 2 Pages

    Perfectionism of the mind is a goal rationalists try to strive for. Perhaps the main problem with this concept is that it promotes over achievement on everything we do. For many...

    Read More

More about Perfectionism: One Of The Stronger Enemies Of Confidence

Open Document