Perfectionism at work – the scourge of these days

Laura Tamuleviche, a psychotherapist and psychologist of systematic family therapy, points out the topic of business and psychological practice – perfectionism. This trait, often seen as a positive feature of professionalism, can actually have two sides – functional and dysfunctional, which often leads to burnout, constant internal tension and low self -esteem.

“Employers are happy to hear the word ‘perfectionist’ because it is often associated with responsibility, neatness and well -done work. However, psychology clearly distinguishes – there is a functional perfectionism where a person seeks the best results in self -confidence, and dysfunctional, when perfectionism turns into suffering and becomes his own hostage, « L. Tamulevičė said in a program » Emotional Resistance in Business « .

According to the specialist, dysfunctional perfectionism often lies deep in the human psyche – not only stress or tension, but also deep self -esteem problems.

Laura Tamulevičė / Photo by Personal Archive

A person who is constantly afraid to be imperfect, feels obligated to please others and only values ​​himself on external estimates. Such a state can come from both emotional neglect in childhood and excessive love when a child does not have the opportunity to learn natural responsibility.

« Perfectionism is often associated with the need for love. The child’s lack of emotional connection or with too much pressure to meet his parents’ expectations, the belief that he will only be loved when it is flawless. This mechanism later moves to work and everyday life – people begin to feel constant. »

Sometimes a person needs to help understand that not everything that looks good from the outside is healthy inside.

« The horses are shot – this phrase today becomes a reality when people who work at a high pace burn out in 3-5 years. They just fall out of life to revise their values ​​and behavioral patterns, » says the psychologist.

L. Tamulevičė notes that the first step to recovery is the conscious recognition that the problem exists. It is the path to a higher awareness when a person begins to observe himself from the country and learn to be a friend, not a strict judge.

« In order to heal, I have to admit: I am tired; it is abnormal that I do not eat, sleep because I seek perfection. Sometimes a person needs to help understand that not everything that looks good from the outside is healthy inside, » the psychotherapist concludes.