
13/07/2025
Many people think of perfectionism as striving to be your best, but it is not about self-improvement; it’s about earning approval and acceptance.” – Brené Brown
Perfectionism is often misunderstood. It wears the mask of ambition and discipline. It looks like striving for excellence. But as Brené Brown so wisely captures, perfectionism isn’t really about being your best. It’s about trying to be enough in the eyes of others. It’s a deeply rooted coping strategy—an attempt to avoid shame, judgment, and rejection.
As a psychologist, I often see clients who believe their perfectionism is what drives their success. But underneath that relentless drive is often anxiety, fear of failure, and an inner critic that never quiets. Perfectionism says: “If I do things perfectly, then I will be loved, accepted, safe.”
Read on https://janinerod.com/perfectionism-the-quiet-thief-of-self-worth/