8 Signs That You Might Be a Perfectionist

A perfect work ethic can be beneficial to anyone’s career, but when taken too far, perfectionism can become harmful. Here are eight signs that you might be a perfectionist, and what you can do about it if you are.

Do you feel pressure to be perfect?

Any successful perfectionist will tell you that they don’t feel any pressure to be perfect. Some may struggle with feeling like they have to be perfect, but it’s important to recognize those pressures for what they are. After all, no one wants to waste their time being concerned about something that’s not an issue. If you spend your time questioning whether or not you’re a perfectionist because of these types of pressures, make sure you’re also setting up realistic goals for yourself and understanding where those pressures are coming from. If you do feel pressure because of unrealistic expectations or outside influences, then it might be time to step back and take some time to reflect on why that is—and how you can get rid of them.

Do you have trouble relaxing?

Are you always on edge because you’re afraid something bad will happen if you let your guard down? Many perfectionists are like that. When there’s so much at stake and so many problems to solve, it’s tough to relax. But doing so can actually help put things in perspective—and solve some of those problems as well. If relaxation is hard for you, try keeping a journal about your feelings and concerns; writing down what troubles you might take some of the edges off your worries. Asking trusted friends or family members for advice can also help—you may be surprised by their insights!

Do you fixate on mistakes?

Are you constantly worried about making mistakes at work? Do you feel pressure to perform perfectly? You may be a perfectionist. A study conducted by researchers at The University of Manchester revealed that there are eight signs that indicate someone might be a perfectionist. Think you might be one? Read on to find out!

Do you spend a lot of time thinking about what you did wrong?

If you find yourself dwelling on your mistakes or obsessing over things that could have gone better, then chances are you’re a perfectionist. The majority of people wouldn’t consider themselves perfectionists, but many would fit some of these characteristics. Being considered a perfectionist may not be such a bad thing—some people equate it to having high standards—but it can become problematic when it interferes with your daily life and relationships.

Is it hard for you to forgive yourself after an error?

Many people view perfectionism as being a positive thing—you want to be your best self, right? The truth is that perfectionism can really get in your way, especially when it comes to forgiving yourself for making an error. If you identify with any of these eight signs of perfectionism, it’s important that you work on cultivating self-compassion and practicing forgiveness so that you can become more productive and kinder to yourself over time.

Do you often cancel plans because they aren’t perfect?

If you sometimes cancel plans at the last minute because they aren’t just right, you might be a perfectionist. A lot of people have a fear of missing out on something fun if they miss out on an event—but overdoing it in search of perfect will leave you with nothing. If you have some free time and it’s feeling like too much, feel free to go out and do something else.

Does it bother you when things are dirty?

If you’re a perfectionist, you probably have very high standards for yourself. These standards often extend to those around you. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to expect things to be done well and on time, but if your perfectionism starts to interfere with your personal relationships (for example, when you get frustrated that someone is doing something incorrectly), then it might be time to slow down.

Do you get upset with people who make mistakes?

If you have anxiety and feel that you have to be perfect, then chances are that you’re going to get upset with people who make mistakes. However, it’s important to understand that everybody makes mistakes and no one is perfect. If you see yourself getting very upset over simple mistakes, then you might be too hard on yourself. Go out of your way to make people feel better about their mistakes and accept that everyone makes them from time to time.