What's Wrong with Perfect? Clinical Perspectives on Perfectionism and Underachievement

Abstract

Good, better, best. Never let it rest, Til your good is better And your better best.

This familiar rhyme from generations past was used by parents and teachers to motivate children. Children may, in fact, internalize its message towards reasonable excellence, or may interpret it in a manner that causes them to never feel good enough unless they're “the best”. Parents and teachers want children to strive for excellence. It is attainable and provides a sense of accomplishment. Excellence is advantageous whether it involves children's school grades, figure skating, music, art, gymnastics, written work, or almost any skill. Striving for perfection in an area of expertise can represent a healthy development of talent. However, when perfectionism becomes pervasive and compulsive, it goes beyond excellence. It leaves no room for error. It provides little satisfaction and much self-criticism because the results never feel good enough to the doer. Perfection is impossible for children who apply unrealizable high standards to too many activities, too frequently.