Three Types of Perfectionism | What Category You Are
Did you know there are actually three types of perfectionists? To understand yourself and your perfectionism better, you must figure out which of the three types you actually are, as well as how it affects you. This article delight gives you all the necessary insights for the 3 types of perfectionism to know about.
What is a Perfectionist ?
A perfectionist is someone who has a personality that strives for flawlessness. This is often accomplished through fixating on imperfections, trying to control situations, working hard, or being critical of the self or others. Research on perfectionism suggests that there are both adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism. Adaptive perfectionists tend to complete tasks on time and have high standards for their work (taking into account their strengths and limitations; i.e., they don’t “overdo” it). Perfectionism becomes maladaptive when the individual becomes overly concerned with “perfect” performance so that nothing becomes “good enough”.
The Three Types of Perfectionism
As it turns out, research suggests that there are different types of perfectionism, some of which can actually support success and can propel your career. Canadian clinical psychologists Dr. Paul Hewitt and Dr. Gordon Flett have been studying the shades of gray within perfectionism for over two decades. Their research reveals that, as with most traits, there’s a spectrum.
Here are the three types of perfectionism explained by their Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale.
The Three Types of Perfectionism
The self-oriented perfectionist
Self-oriented perfectionism is about expecting the best from yourself.
A big clue that someone may be a self-oriented perfectionist is that they demand high standards of themselves. High self-oriented perfectionism is generally associated with the most “adaptive” traits correlated with greater productivity and success.
. The self-oriented perfectionist engages in comprehensive self-evaluation. They have thoughts, according to research by psychologists P. Hewitt and G. Flett, such as:
“I strive to be as perfect as I can be.”
“I makes me uneasy to see an error in my life.”
The Other-oriented perfectionists
Perfectionists who are other-oriented—as in, they hold others to high standards and can be critical and judgmental—can leave destruction in their wake. It’s, when you believe that those around you should be a certain way, and you become upset when people don’t meet your expectations. It’s hard to build working relationships under these conditions, which is one reason this variety is so detrimental. They have thoughts, according to research by psychologists P. Hewitt and G. Flett, such as:
“I cannot stand to see people close to me make mistakes.”
“If I ask someone to do something, I expect it to be done flawlessly.”
If you’re an other-oriented perfectionist and it’s impeding your relationships, try to be more understanding and empathic.
The Socially Prescribed Perfectionism
Do you obsess over what people think and fear rejection? You might be a socially prescribed perfectionist, or someone who believes others expect you to act or look a certain way. In other words, Your self-image comes from what others think of you. Socially Prescribed Perfectionist have thoughts, according to research by psychologists P. Hewitt and G. Flett, such as:
” ‘I’m only good enough if I think other people perceive me as good enough”
“My family expects me to be perfect.”
Perceived external standards (which can come from family, workplace culture, society, etc.) can lead to anxiety and low confidence.
To avoid getting tangled up in this kind of perfectionism, strengthen your positive inner voice. Making a list of your strengths, positive features and accomplishments can help you overcoming this type.
So, What Category of Perfectionism You Are ?
Final Takeaways : Three Types of Perfectionism
Many people who are perfectionists are fully aware of their tendencies, which is an important first step in evaluating where they fall on the spectrum. Some people may find that they are strictly one subtype, while others may discover that they have a little bit of each type in them. Remember, You Aren’t Stuck As A Perfectionist Forever, whatever type you are. Finding a happy middle ground is the best way to leverage the upsides of having high standards, while mitigating the negative effects it can have on your mental health, well-being, and relationships.
Read also : The Four Burners Theory | How to Manage Your Ambitions ( https://thebrightdelights.com/the-four-burners-theory-how-to-manage-your-ambitions/ )