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Showing posts from February 12, 2025

The Perfectionism Trap: How to Break Free from the Cycle of Self-Criticism and Embrace "Enough"

  Introduction: The Double-Edged Sword of Perfectionism Imagine this: You’ve just completed a project at work, nailed a presentation, or finally perfected your morning routine. But instead of celebrating, you feel a hollow ache.  Was it really good enough? Could I have done more?  If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Perfectionism, often praised as a hallmark of high achievers, has a dark side—one that clinical psychologist  Dr. Ellen Hendriksen  unpacks in her ground-breaking book,  How to Be Enough . Let's explore why perfectionism can leave us feeling isolated, anxious, and never-quite-enough—and how to reclaim self-acceptance. The Healthy Heart of Perfectionism Perfectionism isn’t inherently toxic. At its core lies  conscientiousness( विवेकशीलता ) —the drive to be diligent, responsible, and thorough. Research shows this trait is the strongest predictor of success in life. Think of the student who earns top grades, the athlete who trains relen...