Perfectionism robs us contentment and steals our happiness. This tormenting trait increases stress, causes anxiety and may lead to chronic depression. “Good enough” never satisfies the perfectionist because they want everything to be…perfect.

Perfection Grading Scale

Grade yourself on each of the questions below thusly:

• If you answer never to a question give yourself a grade of O
• If you answer some of the time to a question give yourself a grade of 1
• If you answer most of the time to a question give yourself a grade of 2
• If you answer all of the time to a question give yourself a grade of 3

Questions

1. You’ve done a decent job on a project and with a deadline imminent do you keep working to meet your standards putting the project behind schedule?
2. Do you procrastinate because you are afraid you will fail?
3. If you have worked on a project and no one comments on your contributions do you feel like a failure?
4. When you look at your work do you tend to notice mistakes and little imperfections more than enjoying what you have accomplished?
5. Do you tend to notice imperfections in others more than their good aspects?
6. Do you believe good enough is not good enough?
7. When you look at your appearance do you notice what you would like to change about yourself more than what you like about your appearance?
8. Do people tell you that you’re difficult to please?
9. Do people tell you to relax and enjoy life?
10. Do you beat yourself up when you fail to meet your expectations?
11. Do you tend to focus on the bad outcomes rather than focusing of good outcomes?
12. Does criticism feel like a personal attack on you?

Scoring

• Score of 26-36 indicates a serious problem with perfectionism that causes you and others around you to be miserable and may lead to clinical depression.
• Score of 16-26 you are liable to have a difficult time enjoying yourself.
• Score 8-16 you like yourself.
• Score 0-8 you would never voluntarily take this test.

Be encouraged: perfectionists can change. Stay tuned.