Perfectionism is not a pathology
Perfectionism is the most noteworthy personality characteristic associated with giftedness.
Dr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
In actuality, perfectionism must be seen as a potent force capable of bringing intense pain, frustration and paralysis, or incredible satisfaction and creative contribution, depending upon how it is channeled. It has the potential to lead to professional fulfillment and spiritual development, but if the energy is diverted by self-doubt and lack of
... See moreDr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
Olympic champions, scientific breakthroughs, great works of art are all products of the perfectionistic personality gone right.
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
perfection is an abstract concept. It takes an abstract mind to grasp its meaning and to cherish a vision that does not exist in the concrete world. Facility with abstraction is the sine qua non of giftedness; this quality differentiates the gifted from others throughout the lifespan.
Dr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
love-based perfectionism sounds like:
- "I want to make this better"
- "I can see how beautiful this could be"
- "it'd be even more fun if I could do it this way"
fear-based perfectionism sounds like:
- "I need to make this better"
- "I'm scared to put bad work into the world"
- "I'd finally feel relief... See more
scott 🌞 • Tweet
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.