Perfectionism is not a pathology
Perfection: Aristotelian concept of perfection as “potential fully actualized” ; as excellence in the exercise of one’s capacities and the realization of one’s carefully chosen ideals... human beings are fully actualised when they are functioning as builders.
Gena Gorlin • The quest for psychological perfection
If there is such a thing as human perfection, it seems to emerge precisely from how we handle the imperfection that is everywhere, especially our own. – Richard Rohr
Perfectionism is the most noteworthy personality characteristic associated with giftedness.
Dr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
Perfection is a paradox—you can never become perfect, and you already are perfect. A perfectionist in an adaptive mindset believes both those statements are true. A perfectionist in a maladaptive mindset believes both those statements are false.
Katherine Morgan Schafler • The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control
procrastination is not a character defect; rather, it is an attempt—albeit an unsatisfactory one—at coping with the often incapacitating fear of having our worth held up for judgment.
Neil Fiore • The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play
Try to make something perfect and it will remain imperfect. Do it naturally and it is always perfect. Nature is perfect; effort is imperfect. So whenever you are doing something too much, you are destroying.
Osho • Creativity: Unleashing the Forces Within (Osho Insights for a New Way of Living)
In Maslow’s prescription for self-actualization, he invites counselors to encourage what others might discourage: perfectionistic zeal.
Dr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
The obsession with statistical norms has turned psychology into a system for pathologizing difference. Any deviation from statistical norms is labeled a "disorder." Instead of understanding the full spectrum of human experience, we rush to correct it.
This is precisely what Jung fought against.3 He saw this for what it was: not science, but scienti... See more
This is precisely what Jung fought against.3 He saw this for what it was: not science, but scienti... See more
Laura London • In Defense of Carl Jung: Beyond Scientific Dogma
Trying to get rid of your perfectionism is like trying to get rid of the wind by whacking it with a broom. Perfectionism is too powerful for an eradication approach. When you try to get rid of your perfectionism, all you’re doing is hemorrhaging energy at the opportunity cost of attending to your wellness.