Women’s Perfectionism: Is a Quest for Perfection Keeping You from Your Goals?

Everyone wants to knock it out of the ballpark with the first try. There's nothing wrong with aiming for the bleachers.

But, sometimes knowing you won't get it right the first time is enough to halt your progress. Self doubt, concern about mistakes, comparing oneself to others, impossibly high standards, and self criticism get in your way. You want it to be perfect right now.

There are three kinds of perfectionists:

1. Self-oriented. Strict standards, strong motivation, stringent self-evaluation.
2. Other-oriented. Strict and unrealistic standards set for others, stringent evaluation of others' performances.
3. Socially-prescribed. Feelings they won't live up to others' expectations, external pressure for perfection, belief others view them critically.

Are you a perfectionist? What can you do so you can reach your goals?

Listen in as Tim Pychyl, PhD, shares how to deal with perfectionism and procrastination.