Perfectionism is a Protection

Perfectionism is promoted in many cultures and the traits of perfectionism have lodged their way into our personalities and habits. However, there is more to perfectionism than drive for success. In the holistic psychology model, perfectionism is a survival strategy and a way our body and mind work together to manage fear. We present ourselves a certain way to avoid abandonment, criticism, or shame. Perfectionism feels like it is working because when we follow it’s tenets we receive approval, love, or validation for showing up a certain way. The problem is that inside we don’t accept the approval, validation, or love as having been received for being who we are. Instead, we attribute the approval, love, or validation as being offered in response to our perfection. Deep down we yearn, not to be loved for being perfect, but to be loved for who we are