How to deal with a perfectionist
Perfectionism, what is there to say? A lot of people, especially women, thrive to be perfect. The perfect mum, colleague, friend, housewife, partner, organiser, planner and more. The ones who are successful and really come across as perfect might attract some admiration, but there are also other reactions.
Irritation
The perfectionist is really irritating. She shows you and me that it can be done and every time you see a Facebook post with another marathon, weekend trip, cake for a fair, thriving start-up business and charity event all from the single mum of 4, is jaw clenching.
Boredom
The perfectionist is actually very predictable, which makes them boring. You know the answer before you have asked the question.
Competition
Some perfectionists can trigger the urge to challenge them and to ‘beat them’ by, for once, doing something better than they do. But that doesn’t really give satisfaction. The feeling of victory is bittersweet.
Self-doubt
If she can do it, why can’t you? It can really undermine your confidence if you start comparing yourself with a perfectionist. Never – ever – do – that.
The thing to remember is that you only see the end result.
You don’t know how much time, tears and stress it has cost this woman to make the impression of being perfect. You don’t know the price she has paid in health, relationships, money……..
And what I have learned over the years is that there is always more than meets the eye and when people work hard to make a perfect impression, it is most likely to compensate for their insecurity and lack of confidence. Keep that in mind when you meet her next time: you are most likely happier, more fulfilled and having more fun.
Perfectionism is boring, or not?
Exciting findings around going for perfect, read more here.
