Theories Personality Psychology Are You a Perfectionist? True perfectionism can take a toll and bring considerable stress By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD Twitter Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 19, 2016 1. You've done OK with a project, but it's not perfect, and time's running out. You: Do a decent job to complete it well – though not perfectly – but on time. Keep working carefully and finish the job to my original high standards, but late. Do an okay – though not great – job and finish as quickly as possible. Correct Wrong 2. Do you ever find yourself procrastinating? If so, why? I procrastinate when I want things to be so perfect I can't make myself start. I procrastinate because I find so many things that are more fun to do. No, I don't really have a problem with procrastination; I'm eager to start. Correct Wrong 3. You've tried something new, but found that you're not very good at it. You: ...give up. I don't enjoy doing things I'm bad at, and I'm great at a lot already. ...would probably keep at it. I may never be great, but I can be good. ...give up, just because it seems like a lot of effort. I like things easy. Correct Wrong 4. When you look at your work, what do you tend to notice most? I don't really pay much attention to my work once I've completed it. I notice the overall job, which is usually pretty spectacular, and focus on what's really great about what I've done. The mistakes I've made and the little imperfections, which I hate. Correct Wrong 5. When you look at the work of others, what do you tend to notice most? I notice the mistakes they've made, and the little imperfections. I notice the overall job they've done, and tend to focus on the high points. I don't really pay much attention to others' work. Correct Wrong 6. When you look at your appearance, what do you tend to notice the most? I notice what I would like to change about myself. I don't really pay much attention to my appearance. I notice what I like about myself. Correct Wrong 7. Do people tell you you're difficult to please? No, I don't expect much. Sometimes, but I do draw out the best in people and make them feel good. Yes, unfortunately, people tend to think my expectations of them are too high or too rigid. Correct Wrong 8. When striving toward a goal, what do you tend to focus on or enjoy the most? Honestly, I don't strive that much; I mostly just want to be done. I focus on the process as much as the results; I enjoy the journey. I'm focused on the results; I have my eye on the prize. Correct Wrong 9. What are your feelings toward failure? I hate failure, so I avoid it at all costs and beat myself up over it. I hate failure, but can find value in failure as a learning experience. I don't think too much about it. Correct Wrong 10. How does constructive criticism feel to you? I value feedback, even when it's not positive; it helps me improve. Normally, criticism feels like an attack to me. I don't pay too much attention to it. Correct Wrong Are You a Perfectionist? You got: You're a Perfectionist Mark John/Getty Images You probably already know that your perfectionistic tendencies cause you stress and complicate your life in some ways, but you probably don't realize the extent of perfectionism's negative effects on your lifestyle and stress level. The resources below can explain more about perfectionism, and give you resources for changing. I highly recommend you begin the journey now. Don't worry if it takes a little time to change your patterns; any progress made can benefit you from now on! THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet Are You a Perfectionist? You got: You're a High Achiever Getty Images You strive toward perfection, but you have a healthy understanding of what is and isn't possible, and you're able to enjoy the journey without getting overly hung up on the results. Good for you! You may find the resources below of interest in case any perfectionistic tendencies begin to creep in, or to help the perfectionists in your life learn to relax and accept themselves. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet Are You a Perfectionist? You got: You're Definitely Not a Perfectionist ULTRA F/ Getty Images Based on your answers, you're not a perfectionist, and you might even be a lower-than-average achiever. If you're happy with your relaxed way of life, then don't change a thing! If you're interested in working harder and achieving more, just bear in mind that it's best to congratulate yourself on your wins, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the journey. (But you probably already know that.) THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit