The Pitfalls of Perfectionism

Holding yourself to impossible standards almost always backfires.

When the Bar Is Too High

Perfectionists are often doomed to a lifetime of doubt and depression.
by Hara Estroff Marano

Are You Undermining Your Achievements?

Why some types of perfectionists succeed more than others.
by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.

The Perfect Path to Overeating

Why the most fastidious eaters end up binging.
by Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, Ph.D.

Our Flawed American Dream

We have everything the American Dream prescribed. So why aren't we happy?
by Lauren Sandler

Words of healing for perfectionists: Forget your perfect offering

Words of healing for perfectionists.
by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.

The Sweet Smell of Failure

Getting what you want may not get you what you need.
by Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D.

Fear of Flow? Trivialize the Task

Blocks arise when what you want to do matters too much.
by Susan K. Perry, Ph.D.

The Top Three Valentine's Day Pitfalls

How to withstand all the pressure and hype.
by Melanie A. Greenberg, Ph.D.

Why Self-Compassion Is Healthier Than Self-Esteem

Why we should stop chasing self-esteem and start developing self-compassion
by Kristin Neff, Ph.D.

You Can't Win: Why Mothers Feel Guilty

Is too much love really bad for kids?
by Nancy Darling, Ph.D.

Why Perfect Is The Enemy Of Good

Why obsession with perfection can paralyze
by Alex Lickerman, M.D.

The Trouble With Optimism

Optimism can be harmful if you always expect to succeed
by Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D.

Constantly Ruminating?

Certain perfectionists are predisposed to distress and overthinking.
by Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D.

The Procrastination-Perfectionism Connection

How to break the link.
by Dr. Bill Knaus, Ed.D.

In Praise of Perfectionism

Why it shouldn't get a bum rap.
by Stephen A. Diamond, Ph.D.

The Fiction of Superwoman

Shredding the ideal female script.
by Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D.

Perfectionism

For perfectionists, life is an endless report card on accomplishments or looks. A one-way ticket to unhappiness, perfectionism is typically accompanied by depression and eating disorders. What makes perfectionism so toxic is that while those in its grip desire success, they are most focused on avoiding failure, so theirs is a negative orientation.

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Personality

Questions of personality have vexed mankind from the dawn of personhood: can people change? How do others perceive me? What is the difference between normal and pathological behavior? One's personality is so pervasive and all-important that it presents a clinical paradox of sorts: it is hard to assess our own personality, impossible to overlook that of others.

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