Want to be better? What if you can't always be the best? At times, this is the unbearable truth. Perfectionism is not just an opinion—it’s a personality trait that may impact your well-being while you're trying to do your best. There are so many paths to success, and for some reason, it can feel like you've chosen the toughest journey. Why does anxiety pull you away from the present moment and leave you stranded in the uncertain future?

If you’d like to understand the perfectionistic mindset, let’s first explore how anticipation comes into play. In order to regulate our behavior and manage mental energy, we need to plan ahead. Perfectionistic individuals tend to be more concerned about the future and often invest more energy in planning, which can drain their mental resources. No wonder they're more likely to doubt their actions or feel dissatisfied after a long day at work.

We do take pleasure in our efforts—but can we become addicted to excellence and crave perfection all the time? If perfectionism were a commodity, would you buy into it?

Quality guaranteed

Take pride in your knowledge and skills—they're definitely worth the effort. This is the way forward. There are no better options. Trust yourself: you've got what it takes. Quality guaranteed. You're simply the best!

Striving for flawlessness can turn into a race against imperfection. It's in our nature to fail, as learning is not an option but a requirement for survival.

Once you become overly judgmental in everything you do, performance becomes a must, and the perfectionism paradox will bias your focus. The more you strive for perfection, the more likely you are to feel exhausted and lose direction. Failure? guaranteed.

In high demand

Subjective data "shows" that most of us struggle to live the good life. The best options are in high demand, and only a few dare to try. Will you stay on task?

As you know, everyone is good at something—but no one can do everything. Complex skills take time to refine. If you want to become an expert in a specific field, spreading yourself too thin isn't ideal. Once you find fulfillment in the process, your effort becomes proportional to your satisfaction.

In psychology, effort can be evaluated from different perspectives—mental perceptions, physical demands, or emotional balance . If you want to make progress, you may need to improve your strategy or increase your endurance—all in a timely manner.

Relying on high standards in everything you do is a setup for disappointment. If anxiety persists, there’s a reason. "Burnout is in low demand. Still available now."

Like no other

Want a fulfilling career, outstanding results, and countless awards under your belt? Here's an opportunity like no other. It’s time to stay focused. Unique outcomes, top-tier qualities, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to give your best.

Nowadays, you're more likely than ever to compare yourself to others. Perfectionism can be socially prescribed—and if you're someone who places unrealistic standards on others, or feels that others have done so to push you forward, this section is for you.

Joking aside, external constraints can be more damaging than internal ones—they can undermine your skills, interests, or potential. “Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” (Danielle LaPorte).

When perfectionism is self-imposed, it may have narcissistic undertones—the desire to be perfect can make one feel different or even unique. This is especially the case in conditions like eating disorders or body dysmorphic disorder, where dissatisfaction often stems from unrealistic comparisons with idealized social models.

Limited availability

Are you concerned about friends, hobbies, or vacations—and won’t let anything stand in your way? Don’t wait any longer. The best results are only available to those who struggle. Once the deadline hits, you should be done!

One of the most convincing reasons to let go of perfectionism is the sense of loss. It’s not just about losing your peace of mind—your work-life balance also matters. If you focus too much on doing things better, you might realize that “better” isn't always sustainable in the long run.

If you feel that some of life’s most meaningful opportunities have passed you by, maybe you're not living "the perfect life." Perfectionism can take root in all areas—leading us to strive for perfect emotions, perfect work outcomes, or perfect parenting styles.

Struggling to let go? Remember: simplicity is bliss. Take satisfaction in your efforts and embrace your imperfections. You are only human.