Ideal situations appeal to every one of us, be it a family vacation or a date with a significant other. Though it may sometimes lead to self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that make goals harder to fulfill, perfectionism is also seen as a positive trait that fosters achievement. Most people display perfectionism sometimes or in some areas of their lives. People who mostly solely pursue perfection may have an unquenchable desire to reach it. Let's examine a few indicators that suggest you are a man who looks for perfection.
Exploring Perfectionism In Men
Self – Confidence
You seldom ever assign tasks because you don't think people can complete them appropriately. You may perceive yourself as a control freak or micromanager to others, but your actions are motivated only by the desire to complete the task at hand.
Keeping Standards High
You hold everyone to high standards, even yourself. You think it's important to constantly give it your all, and you anticipate the same behavior from others. Furthermore, you are incredibly afraid of being seen as a failure.
Dread of Failure
Those who strive for perfection frequently have a severe dread of failing. Fearing they won't live up to their lofty expectations, they can shy away from taking chances or attempting novel experiences. This dread can be crippling and impede one's ability to advance both personally and professionally.
All-or-Nothing Thinking
Those who strive for perfection frequently have extreme viewpoints, believing that anything is either flawless or utterly flawed. When things don't go as planned, this black-and-white way of thinking can cause disappointment and irritation.
Continuous Need for Acceptance
To feel valuable, perfectionists may look to other people for external affirmation and acceptance. Relationships may suffer and get worn out when someone feels the need for frequent reassurance.
Lists are your Lifeblood
You work effectively and with the organization. You plan your day in 15-minute blocks. You maximize the amount of time that you have. There is nothing at all wrong with the fact that you are industrious and do tasks efficiently.
However, productivity isn't always the main objective. It could be challenging to be flexible, to find time for impromptu small talk, or to have unplanned run-ins and talks that are not only enjoyable but also strengthen your relationships and inspire innovation when you have a laser-like focus on finishing tasks.
Relying Only on Outcomes
High achievers may find that pursuing a goal is enjoyable in and of itself, perhaps more so than achieving the objective. Perfectionists, on the other hand, only see the result. They can't even appreciate the process of learning and growing because they're so focused on achieving the objective and staying out of trouble.
Sadness at Not Reaching My Objectives
Compared to great performers, perfectionists are frequently less joyful. Perfectionists tend to beat themselves up and wallow in bad emotions when their high expectations are not reached, whereas high achievers can move on very quickly after disappointment.
You Find it Hard to Get Past Minor Errors
Persistently being overly conscious of every error you've ever made, particularly in comparison to those around you, may also be an indication of perfectionism. Once more, acknowledging one's faults might be beneficial. However, stress may result from it when it's too severe.
You Tend to put Things Off
Perfectionism frequently results in procrastination. This may come as a surprise since you might assume that someone who is a perfectionist is constantly on top of things, but in many situations, perfectionism can contribute to procrastination. This is due to the possibility that you will start to focus more on the outcome of your work than the actual process.
How can perfectionism be Harmful?
It's hard to be flawless, or even to set a personal best, so being a perfectionist may be tough. Perfectionists tend to achieve less and stress more than high achievers, which is another issue with perfectionism and the reason you should find out whether you exhibit perfectionistic qualities.
An overemphasis on control is a hallmark of unhealthy perfectionism. Perfectionists may have a very discerning palate and get fixated on making sure everything is perfect, which may result in efforts to manipulate others or circumstances. Relationships between people may suffer as a result. It could also be a factor in increased stress levels.
The tension that perfectionism causes has been related to several detrimental effects, such as low self-esteem, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, and stress. It can also produce emotions of anxiousness.
Conclusion
Although aiming for perfection is admirable, it's important to know when perfectionism starts to get in the way rather than being an inspiration. If you recognize many of the above-mentioned indicators, it might be beneficial to reevaluate your expectations and think about taking a more measured approach.
Getting help from loved ones, friends, or a mental health professional can also help overcome the difficulties brought on by perfectionism. Always keep in mind that taking steps to recognize and deal with perfectionism is a good first step toward living a better and more satisfying life.
Written By: Sakshi Mathur
Edited By: Chirajita Gupta