I have been reading a lot about perfectionism lately. It comes up in my counseling practice all the time and I have been accused of being one a time or two (whether by myself or somebody else). As with most human problems, this area was identified and quickly pathologized. And now, years later, there has been some pull back and studiers of perfectionism are saying their are adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism:
Adaptive: driven, goal-directed, yet able to celebrate goals even when they are not fully completed. Perhaps, these are even the most hopeful of people. Idealistic, but accepting.
Maladaptive: only see what is not completed. Unrealistic expectations and difficulty, well...adapting. Prone towards depression. Idealistic, and judging.
Hmmmmm...I think i will shoot for the first.
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