Perfectionism
Holding excessively high standards tied to harsh self-criticism when they are not met. Linked to anxiety, depression, burnout, and procrastination.
Category: Concepts and skills
What is perfectionism?
Clinical perfectionism is not high standards alone. It is self-worth depending on flawless performance, plus punishing self-evaluation when results fall short.
Key things to know
It commonly drives procrastination (not starting because the result might not be perfect), overwork, difficulty delegating, and inability to feel satisfied with achievements.
- The problem is not high standards; it is self-worth hanging on flawless results.
- It drives procrastination, overwork, and inability to feel satisfied.
- It is linked to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
- Behavioural experiments, like shipping good-enough work, test the beliefs.
- Done and imperfect usually beats perfect and unfinished.
What helps
CBT approaches target the underlying beliefs and use behavioural experiments, like deliberately submitting good-enough work, to test them.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Try a quiz
Meet Your Inner Critic. A short check-in related to perfectionism, with a personal result at the end. 2 minutes, free, no signup.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.