Perfectionism is not a pathology
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
I have a working theory that the anxiety I feel is actually a massive amount of positive energy.
It just feels uncomfortable because I haven’t learned how to channel that much energy yet.
When I’ve been able to let it flow freely, my whole body fills with bliss.
David Spinksx.comIn 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
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)
Adler (1973) regarded perfectionism as an indispensable part of life, a striving to rise above feelings of dependency and helplessness. Understanding one’s personal power, for Adler, involved maximizing one’s abilities and using them for the good of society. Maslow (1971) equated the full realization of one’s potential with the absence of neurosis.
... See moreDr. Linda Silverman • Perfectionism: the Crucible of Giftedness
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
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
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
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.