Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to set excessively high standards for oneself and others, and a strong desire to meet or exceed these standards. People who struggle with perfectionism may feel a constant need for perfection in all areas of their life, including work, relationships, and personal goals.

Perfectionists may experience a range of negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear of failure, and self-doubt, when they feel they have not met their own high standards.

 Is perfectionism linked to self-esteem?

Perfectionism and self-esteem are closely linked, as individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to struggle with perfectionism. 

Yes, Obsessiveness and self-esteem are closely linked, and individuals struggling with Compulsiveness may benefit from seeking support from an “online therapist in India”.

People with low self-esteem may feel a constant need for approval and validation from others, and a desire to be perfect in order to gain acceptance and avoid rejection.

Compulsiveness can also be a way to cope with feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. Perfectionists may believe that if they can achieve perfection, they will be more valuable and lovable as a person. 

how does self-esteem affect Perfectionism?

Self-esteem and perfectionism are closely intertwined and can have a significant impact on each other .By working with a “Psychologist near me”, individuals struggling with Rigidity and low self-esteem can develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their Rigidity and improve their self-esteem. Here are some ways in which self-esteem can affect perfectionism:

1. Self-Criticism: Low self-esteem often leads to harsh self-criticism and a constant fear of failure. Individuals with low self-esteem may believe that their self-worth is tied to their achievements and perfection. Consequently, they set impossibly high standards for themselves and become perfectionistic in their pursuit of success to compensate for their perceived lack of self-worth.
2. Fear of Failure: People with low self-esteem may have a heightened fear of failure and rejection. They may equate making mistakes or falling short of their own expectations with personal failure, which can lead to a perfectionistic mindset. 
3. Validation and Approval: Individuals with low self-esteem may seek external validation and approval as a means to boost their self-worth. They may believe that being perfect will make them more likable and accepted by others, leading to increased validation and a temporary boost in self-esteem. 
4. Self-Worth Dependence: People with low self-esteem may heavily rely on their achievements and external factors to define their self-worth. They believe that being perfect is a prerequisite for self-acceptance and love.

Developing a healthy level of self-esteem involves recognizing and accepting oneself as imperfect, understanding that self-worth is not contingent upon external achievements, and cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Signs of perfectionism with low self esteem

The following traits are frequently seen in perfectionists.

• They can’t begin a task until they are confident they can complete it successfully. Perfectionists aim for perfection in all they do; if they lack complete faith in their ability to succeed, they won’t even attempt it.
• They have very high expectations for both themselves and those around them.
• They constantly feel the urge to be in total control of events.
• Perfectionists are very afraid of failing. They could even refrain from taking on new endeavours until they are certain they will succeed.
• No one else can perform the chores as well as they can, thus they find it difficult to assign them to others.
• They stress over minute details and are more concerned with the outcome.
• They believe a task is not over unless they are completely satisfied with it.

Overcoming perfectionism

• Determine your perfectionism tendencies. The first step in ending the cycle of Conscientiousness is to determine your Over-achieving. tendencies and behaviours. Knowing your limitations and what you can do to improve your ability to adapt helps you be more self-aware. 
• Recognise the impact it is doing to your mental and emotional health as well as to your relationships and career — Feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy can result from perfectionism. Furthermore, it may prevent you from attempting new things and taking chances. You can start to improve your thought and behaviour patterns by becoming aware of the detrimental effects of Conscientiousness.
• Give yourself permission to make mistakes — Don’t be too harsh with yourself. Failure doesn’t imply your journey is over. You may try again at any time. 
• Practise self-care (self-compassion) — When you make a mistake, react with self-compassion rather than self-criticism. Remind yourself that you are enough and that you don’t need to base your worth on your achievements or the opinions of others.
• Set attainable objectives While pushing your boundaries is a positive thing, it’s also a good idea to remain realistic in order to avoid disappointment. Setting more attainable, smaller goals is a good idea. It’s also a good idea to always express gratitude for your efforts. 

Conclusion

Depending on how it is felt and displayed, perfectionism can be a good or terrible quality. I’ve succeeded in many aspects of my life thanks to my obsession with perfection, but it almost cost me everything. My life altered once I figured out how to counteract my perfectionistic urges while retaining my self-worth and confidence.