Perfection. It is something I believe a majority of humans are working towards and are pressured to obtain from the high expectations of others. Whether the expectations are implied or directly communicated, we all feel that pressure to be perfect. But is reaching for perfection really worth it?
I have heard that perfectionist personalities can lead to some health issues. No doubt reaching for perfection will lead to stress which can lead to phyisical manifestations such as stomach ulcers. I believe that a perfectionist can also develop mental health issues which are not so easy to recognize. In the couple of resources that I have read it includes depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders and even complications of being able to have social relationships. Those are all really serious and can have a profound effect on your life. Listing those conditions, however, is only a scratch on the surface.
These studies, and I hope to find more with the same support, show how perfectionism can lead to certian illnesses and the effects it has on a person as a whole. I think is will be very educational for people to learn what relations and conditions perfectionism can cause/lead to.
I think this is a great topic to do your research project on. I don't think that most people realize the depth and complexity of perfection. I'm looking forward to learning more about this topic.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really interesting take on mental disorders. I come from a family of perfectionists- one of which suffered from an eating disorder, and I definitely think that the goal of perfection is one for which too many people strive.
ReplyDeleteI really like where you're going with this topic. I'd have to argue this one though. My sister and I are compared all the time. We are both perfectionists. She is to the point that sometimes I think it leads to health issues. I am a perfectionist, but I realize there is a time and place for everything. I cut myself slack. So, I believe that being a perfectionist can take you to great heights, but you have to choose your battles and realize that EVERYTHING can't be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI agree Cait, reaching towards perfection isn't always a bad thing. It can be a great thing, as long as you can cut yourself some slack. I will be talking more about that as I get into more of my research. Thanks for your comments everyone!
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