The tone of this article reads condescending to me, an INFJ. I strive to do things right the first time. I care about following rules and doing my best in my work.
This article mostly addresses those who are functioning in unhealthy ways, and does not truly address the desire of certain personality types to perform to their best standard.
People fall into unhealthy perfectionism because their natural personality traits are not accepted, valued and/or guided into proper expression. They are told they are being too...., or not ... enough. We learn early on that if we can perform better, then the person criticizing us has no legitimate platform to find fault with us.
Not being accepted for something that is a natural strength of your personality, is a stain on a society that values sameness and performance.
Perfectionism is formed in the heart of a child without proper nurture. People don't choose perfectionism. It is a coping mechanism. The pain that led them to performance is real. The fear of that pain is also real.
You are right, perfectionists need to learn that they won't lose value or acceptance for doing less than their best, because they are sure that they will.
Lilu (not verified)says...
The tone of this article reads condescending to me, an INFJ. I strive to do things right the first time. I care about following rules and doing my best in my work.
This article mostly addresses those who are functioning in unhealthy ways, and does not truly address the desire of certain personality types to perform to their best standard.
People fall into unhealthy perfectionism because their natural personality traits are not accepted, valued and/or guided into proper expression. They are told they are being too...., or not ... enough. We learn early on that if we can perform better, then the person criticizing us has no legitimate platform to find fault with us.
Not being accepted for something that is a natural strength of your personality, is a stain on a society that values sameness and performance.
Perfectionism is formed in the heart of a child without proper nurture. People don't choose perfectionism. It is a coping mechanism. The pain that led them to performance is real. The fear of that pain is also real.
You are right, perfectionists need to learn that they won't lose value or acceptance for doing less than their best, because they are sure that they will.