By Molly Perkins.
Ever found yourself being asked what your weaknesses are in a job interview? How tempted were you to say “perfectionism”?
Perfectionism has historically been cited as a negative personality trait. So much so, that the term “recovering perfectionist” is often thrown around. Due to the connotations associated with perfectionism, those who identify as such see it as something they must rid themselves of, overcome, or even defeat.
But, what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong?
In her book, The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control, psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler identifies five distinct types of perfectionism and how perfectionists can start using them to their advantage.
The 5 types of perfectionism
Which type of perfectionist are you? Decoding this can help you to embrace your perfectionism as a superpower.
Here’s an overview of the five different types as identified by Schafler:
1. The Classic Perfectionist
The Classic Perfectionist is highly organised, detail-oriented, and driven by the need to achieve excellence in all aspects of life. They set extremely high standards for themselves and often struggle with anxiety when they perceive they’re falling short.
Do you hold yourself to high standards in an effort to avoid failure? Then you could be a Classic Perfectionist.
2. The Intense Perfectionist
Intense Perfectionists are passionate and deeply involved in their pursuits. They tend to be highly critical, not just of themselves but also of others, and thrive in environments requiring intense focus and energy.
If you’re driven to push boundaries, aim to achieve extraordinary results, and deal with feelings of alienation due to your high expectations of others, you might just be an Intense Perfectionist.
3. The Parisian Perfectionist
Parisian Perfectionists are concerned with how others perceive them. They focus on maintaining a flawless outward appearance and often strive for social approval. They are highly attuned to social norms and expectations. Parisian Perfectionists often crave validation and approval from others. Therefore, they can struggle with feelings of inadequacy and impostor syndrome, as their self-worth is closely tied to external perceptions.
Sound familiar? You could be a Parisian Perfectionist.
4. The Procrastinator Perfectionist
Procrastinator Perfectionists delay tasks due to the fear of not being able to complete them perfectly. They are often overwhelmed by the pressure of their own high standards, which leads to avoidance behaviour.
If you often deal with a fear of failure or find yourself stuck in a cycle of procrastination and guilt, then maybe the term Procrastinator Perfectionist applies to you.
5. The Messy Perfectionist
Messy Perfectionists are creative and have a lot of ideas but often struggle with organisation and follow-through. They may have bursts of energy and productivity followed by periods of chaos and disorganisation.
Would you consider yourself a creative and innovative individual? Do you struggle with a lack of structure in your life? You may well be a Messy Perfectionist.
Clearly, perfectionism is not a one-size-fits-all deal.
While the five kinds of perfectionists may struggle with similar issues, such as overthinking and self-inflicted pressure, by identifying the type of perfectionism that resonates most with you, you can start to harness these aspects of your personality in a positive way.
The positive side of perfectionism
Schafler argues that perfectionism can be a superpower, driving individuals to achieve excellence, push boundaries, and continuously improve. Rather than viewing it as a flaw, it can be harnessed positively when managed well.
Perfectionists often set high standards, leading to exceptional outcomes due to their attention to detail and commitment to quality. This drive for continuous improvement can result in mastery and deep satisfaction in their chosen fields.
Their intrinsic motivation and resilience also inspire others, elevate team performance, and help them overcome challenges, ultimately leading to long-term success.
Managing perfectionism
Like any other part of our self-development, our perfectionism needs to be well nurtured.
While the high expectations perfectionists set for themselves may feel overwhelming at times, when perfectionism is managed well, it can strike a balance between chaos (necessary for creativity) and order (necessary for execution), leading to innovative outcomes. This subsequently encourages perfectionists, particularly those of the messy variety, to channel their perfectionism into creativity and innovation.
In terms of personal goals, when perfectionists align their high standards with their values and passions, they can achieve a deep sense of fulfilment. Their perfectionism can guide them toward meaningful pursuits and the realisation of their potential.
Perfectionism can also encourage moments of learning and reflection. When embraced in a balanced way, perfectionism allows individuals to learn from their mistakes rather than being paralysed by them. This adaptability is key to personal and professional growth.
Healthy perfectionism involves adjusting and evolving standards over time, allowing individuals to grow and adapt to new challenges without being rigidly attached to unrealistic ideals.
Schafler’s perspective redefines perfectionism as a trait that, when understood and managed effectively, can lead to extraordinary achievements and personal fulfilment. She encourages individuals to embrace their perfectionism as a strength, rather than viewing it as a flaw that needs to be eradicated.
By Molly Perkins.