Joanne Smith breaks down perfectionism: extreme conscientiousness, inability to say no, chronic over-commitment, and relentless self-criticism. Perfectionists struggle to rest, need everything in order, and feel compelled to keep everyone happy, leading to exhaustion and a harsh internal voice.
Being very, very conscientious, wanting things to be done properly, wanting things to be done perfect, being a perfectionist, having really high standards, finding it difficult to say no, taking responsibility for things that really you didn't need to get involved in, taking responsibility for other people, wanting to keep everybody happy, wanting to help everybody, not wanting to let anyone down, pushing through when you are really exhausted. Keeping going when you're really, really struggling. Finding it really difficult to rest. Needing to feel that things are in good order, like you're in control. Or being an overthinker. Being very, very self-critical. Being very, very judgmental to yourself. Having really high standards. Um, what else? Um, all of those types of things. There's, there'll be many more that you'll recognize too.
