Perfectionism is not a pathology
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... See more
This is precisely what Jung fought against.3 He saw this for what it was: not science, but... See more
Laura London • In Defense of Carl Jung: Beyond Scientific Dogma
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
Most of my clients, and the parents of gifted children that I address at workshops and seminars, reveal that they are perfectionists. My first task is to help them see their perfectionism as a strength instead of as a weakness. I share with them the strong linkage between perfectionism and giftedness, and explain that it comes with the territory of
... See moreDr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
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.
Katherine Morgan Schafler • The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control
stage 1: try to defeat perfectionism thru sheer force of will
stage 2: try to heal perfectionism by doing a bunch of therapeutic inner child shit (also psychedelics)
stage 3: fully accept perfectionism, relate to it healthily, and watch it become a source of unimaginable power
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
Perfection as we typically think about it should be treated more as a way to focus our attention rather than a final accomplishment that we attain.
Shannon Lee • Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee
Perfectionism is the most noteworthy personality characteristic associated with giftedness.
