Earlier, we described a long list of difficulties associated with perfectionism. If perfectionism was all negative, it would easy to change. Yet, perfectionism can be difficult to change – because it can serve many positive functions at the same time as causing problems.

Here are some of the rewards of perfectionism that can make it so difficult to change.  Share your own experiences in the last column. Remember there are no wrong answers!

Apart from the many positive rewards related to perfectionism, perfectionism can be difficult to change because of fear. Often, a perfectionist only feels good about themselves when they do well in something and that if their perfectionism is taken away, it may seem like nothing of them is left! Here are some common fears that people have about having to give up or lower their standards:

• They will let themselves completely slip and not perform at all

• They will become lazy

• Others will think they have let themselves go

• Others will stop praising them for doing well

• They will lose something they value (e.g. studies)

• They will be filled with anxiety

• They will not achieve

• They will not progress in life

• They will be average

Well the good news is this program is NOT about lowering standards but is about giving you a choice to live your life, to learn to feel good about yourself from all areas in your life besides achievements and think about what is best for you and those around you.

Often it is the case that you are striving so hard and pushing yourself to such a degree that your performance can become poorer because of tiredness from working too hard towards your goals. Overcoming perfectionism can in fact help you be more effective and improve your performance!

It can be difficult to change, but we also know how hard it is not to change and continue to be a perfectionist. Therefore, this program encourages you to find out what happens if you make little changes – does the worst happen or do you get some pleasant surprises.

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