What is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by a strong drive to do things “correctly” and an excessive concern with living life in the “right” way. It exists on a continuum, ranging from mild perfectionistic tendencies to more clinically significant patterns seen in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).

Individuals with perfectionistic traits often hold themselves—and sometimes others—to very high standards. This may be accompanied by rigidity around rules, difficulty tolerating mistakes, and self-critical thinking. Many also describe a strong internal sense of responsibility or a heightened moral standard.

At its core, perfectionism is often driven by a fear of not being “good enough,” which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy. Efforts to avoid these uncomfortable emotions may result in striving for flawlessness or seeking external validation, which can unintentionally contribute to stress and difficulties in relationships.