What Is Perfectionism?

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Entitlement is often based on a rigid system of rewards, wherein success should always come easily.

We become productive when we shift our focus from entitlement to gratitude, appreciating the gift of a talent.

Creating a way to feel good about ourselves and our work is largely our responsibility.

While everyone occasionally feels entitled, deserving of a privilege that’s unearned, perfectionists tend to believe whatever it is that makes them special, whether some developed talent or innate trait, is a gift for the rest of the world, meaning, like any other superstar, they’re owed for it. Since we live in a culture that overvalues fame, or talent more specifically, it’s easy for one to become full of themself, to feel entitled. Perfectionists, thus, tend to believe things are supposed to come easily to them, that their abilities are supposed to instantly produce spectacular (and perfect) work, and, in turn, that work should always be revered.

Of course, this means that if they can’t or it isn’t, they’re either mistaken about their abilities or others are ungrateful. This mindset, the feeling that others ought to be more appreciative or that things, generally, ought to be easy, signals doom. Arguably, it’s the main reason why perfectionists tend to remain stagnant. Essentially, they struggle with struggling, which raises the question: Do you prefer to be skilled or comfortable? Because if the former is just a means to the latter, then there are easier ways of........

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