Perfectionism emphasizes the setting of extreme standards of performance (Galluchi, 2014). There are two types of perfectionism: normal and neurotic (Galluchi, 2014).
Normal perfectionism is characterized by high, but achievable goals, intrinsic pleasure in completing tasks, and satisfaction with reaching goals (Galluchi, 2014).
Neurotic perfectionism is characterized by excessive self-focus, attention to negative aspects of performance, and includes little satisfaction with task completion (Galluchi, 2014).
There are three dimensions of perfectionism (Galluchi, 2014):
1. Self-oriented. Focus on rewards of achieving goals instead of focusing on punishments or losses. 2. Other-oriented. Expecting and demanding that others perform and behave perfectly. 3. Socially prescribed. Believing that others expect you to reach high or impossible standards.
How can it decrease performance?
Neurotic perfectionists tend to have an all-or-nothing way of thinking (total failure or perfect) and often expect perfection in many areas of life (Galluchi, 2014). Socially prescribed perfectionism tends to increase negative evaluations, fear of failure, increased anxiety, and feelings of helplessness (Galluchi, 2014). Other-oriented perfectionism can increase hostility amongst groups due to failure to meet impossible standards (Galluchi, 2014). Self-oriented perfectionism can increase self-criticism, depression, anxiety, and self-handicapping in high-stress situations (Galluchi, 2014).
How can it improve performance?
Normal perfectionists experience facilitative anxiety (Galluchi, 2014). Self-oriented perfectionism can be positive in conditions of low stress (Galluchi, 2014).
Strategies to Pivot
1. Find an area of life in which to be imperfect. 2. Strive for excellence, but relax standards when needed. 3. Focus on goals (short-term and long-term) instead of perfection. 4. If perfectionism is deeply rooted, seek guidance from trusted mentors to help ensure self-evaluations and expectations are reasonable and accurate.
All from (Galluchi, 2014)
Training Questions
Using your mental performance log, answer these questions. Remember that the more thought and effort you put into them, the more you'll get from the experience.
- Can you think of a time when perfectionism negatively impacted your performance? Explain.
- Can you think of a time when perfectionism positively impacted your performance? Explain.
- Which of the strategies will you use to improve your future performances? Explain why you selected those strategies.