This is a fun little infographic  all about perfectionism , what it is, how it shows up, and how counselors can help clients deal with it in a healthier way. A lot of people think perfectionism just means trying to do your best, but it’s more than that. It’s when your self-worth depends on everything being flawless. In creative fields especially, perfectionism can kill the process. Instead of joy, it creates pressure. Instead of flow, it causes fear. And what’s worse, a lot of this perfectionism is tied to culture. For example, many kids from immigrant families feel like success is the only way to honor their parents’ sacrifices.

My project talks about two types of perfectionism: adaptive (the kind that motivates you without hurting you) and maladaptive (the kind that makes you anxious, burnt out, and never satisfied). I also go into how perfectionism relates to self-efficacy which is your belief in your own abilities and how perfectionists often delay projects because they’re scared it won’t be “perfect.”

Counselors can use this resource to better understand how perfectionism affects people emotionally and culturally. It’s a reminder not to immediately “fix” or challenge a perfectionist’s thoughts but to ask deeper questions: What’s this voice protecting? Who taught you you had to be perfect? In the end, my message is simple: perfectionism doesn’t need to be erased; it needs to be understood. Helping clients explore this can lead to more confidence, more creativity, and more self-compassion.