I do it everyday without even taking notice, I carry several traits of a perfectionist. Even when people call me this, I accept it without really thinking about the true definition of being a perfectionist. We all think its a great thing to be a perfectionist, but how often do we really think about the negative impacts of being a perfectionist. I came to this realisation after reading a study made by the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center on Perfectionism. The study taught me several comparisons between being a perfectionist and being a healthy striver, which is the happy medium.

Here is what I found through reading the study.

Here are some signs that you may be a perfectionist:

- sets standards beyond reach and reason
- is never satisfied by less than perfection
- becomes dysfunctionally depressed when experiences failure
- is preoccupied with fear of failure and disapproval
- sees mistakes as evidence of unworthiness
- becomes overly defensive when criticized

A healthy striver:

- sets high standards, just beyond reach
- enjoys the process as well as the outcome
- bounces back from failure and disappointment quickly and with energy
- keeps normal anxiety and fear of failure and disapproval within normal bounds
- sees mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning
- reacts positively to helpful criticism.

Here is are some cool tests  I took on Discovery Health and BBC , check out to see how you score. Knowing is half the battle, and I am always lookin for ways to improve on my character flaws.  Thought I would share.

Check out this article  – Seeking Perfection, I read online at  BBC with a comprehensive list of the risks and  the six different dimensions of perfectionism.