Research is now available that shows there are two types of perfectionism - healthy and unhealthy!

Healthy, or Adaptive Perfectionism, is characterised by having high standards, being persistent in the face of adversity and conscientious. This type of perfectionism usually goes with goal-directed behaviour and good organisational skills. So, if you always try to do your best, meet deadlines and expectations but don’t get really upset if you don’t always hit your targets, you could be seen as having a healthy type of perfectionism.

Alternatively, Unhealthy or Maladaptive perfectionism is based on concerns about past mistakes, fears of making new mistakes, doubts about doing things correctly or of meeting the expectations of others. If you often feel ill before a test or presentation because you are worried about not living up to expectations, are constantly asking for reassurance or spend a lot of time concerned that you’re not meeting your own and others high standards, you may be an unhealthy perfectionist, focusing on the negative and things that you can’t control.

Culturally, we often see perfectionism as a good thing and there are obviously positive effects of healthy perfectionism - high standards, a good work ethic and goal attainment. Perfectionist tendencies can become serious problem though with negative consequences if we try to attain the unobtainable. Anxiety, depression, physical exhaustion and an unhealthy and inaccurate view of ourselves, our achievements and self-worth is the result.

So, perfectionism can help or harm us. It can be applauded or it can be unhealthy and damaging. If you feel your perfectionism is bordering on unhealthy, there are some simple changes you can make that will allow you to keep your high standards without damaging and destroying your own life.

– Strive for excellence, not perfection. Excellence means always doing your best and holding on to your high standards while realising that perfection is unattainable.

– Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, you are unique and will never be like anybody else.

– Be flexible. Dealing with unexpected pressures and demands will help you set realistic expectations.

– Retrain your brain. Perfectionists are conditioned to think in terms of black or white, good or bad, all or nothing. Unhealthy mental patterns can be replaced by new and healthy ones

– Listen to your thoughts. Beware of negative automatic thoughts that tell you you’re not good enough. Identifying these thoughts will help you replace them with more reasonable ones.

– Don’t negate the positives. Situations or events that don’t go as well as you hoped can have positive aspects. Use them.

– Don’t obsess about what other people think. You’ll be harder on yourself than anyone else.

– Risk failure. Some really high-profile innovations and inventions came from people who risked failure – and often did so.

– Acknowledge your limitations. Sometimes it’s not easy but it can provide a balanced and healthy perspective of who you are.

– Maximise mistakes. Use mistakes to grow and learn.

Perfectionism is about managing the balance of your life so that you feel that your life represents who you really are. By accepting who you are and where you are, you can use your strength to help you position yourself in the healthiest way. Instead of trying to be a completely different person, accept your perfectionistic traits and work on managing them for yourself.