Quotes to Inspire You to Stop Toxic Perfectionism

You may think that perfectionism helps people get things done. It doesn't.

You might think that perfectionism helps people get things done well. It doesn't.

You might think that perfectionism helps people be better partners and parents. It doesn't.

The reality is that perfectionism is toxic to relationships and life. It wears out the perfectionistic person and people they are close to.

Perfectionists are chronically disappointed in themselves and others. They have trouble trying to do things because of being immobilized by fear of failure.

What's in This Post

I get more into the psychology of perfectionism in this post: The Link Between Perfectionism, Anxiety and Depression.

The Meaning of Perfectionism Quotes

Perfectionism is "a combination of excessively high personal standards and overly critical self-evaluations." –Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill

"Perfectionism isn’t a behaviour. It’s a way of thinking about yourself." –Andrew Hill

“At its root, perfectionism isn’t really about a deep love of being meticulous. It’s about fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of failure. Fear of success.” –Michael Law

Brené Brown Quotes about Perfectionism

“Perfectionism is not a way to avoid shame. Perfectionism is a form of shame.”  –Brené Brown

“Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.”  –Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

“Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it's often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.” –Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

“Healthy striving is self-focused: 'How can I improve?' Perfectionism is other-focused: 'What will they think?'  –Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

Perfection is Unattainable Quotes

“There is nothing perfect, no one can be perfect, and perfectionism is something you shouldn't chase.” –Shawn Crahan

No one is perfect… that's why pencils have erasers.

“A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.” –Albert Einstein

“In the end, perfection is just a concept—an impossibility we use to torture ourselves and that contradicts nature.”  –Guillermo del Toro

Perfection is Toxic Quotes

"Perfectionists feel every bump in the road. They’re quite stress-sensitive." –Andrew Hill

"Perfectionism is internalized oppression."  –Gloria Steinem

“Perfectionism is self-abuse of the highest order.”  –Anne Wilson Schaef

“Perfectionism doesn't believe in practice shots. It doesn't believe in improvement. Perfectionism has never heard that anything worth doing is worth doing badly—and that if we allow ourselves to do something badly we might in time become quite good at it. Perfectionism measures our beginner's work against the finished work of masters. Perfectionism thrives on comparison and competition. It doesn't know how to say, ‘Good try,’ or ‘Job well done.’ The critic does not believe in creative glee—or any glee at all, for that matter.”  –Julia Cameron

Perfection Gets in the Way of Success Quotes

“Perfectionism is a delusion that can rob one of a very successful, enriching life if not careful.”  –April Bryan

“I've learned how my own perfectionism can cripple me.” –Jennifer Nettles

“The most dangerous way we sabotage ourselves is by waiting for the perfect moment to begin. Nothing works perfectly the first time, or the first fifty times. Everything has a learning curve. The beginning is just that—a beginning. Surrender your desire to do it flawlessly on the first try. It's not possible. Learn to learn. Learn to fail. Learn to learn from failing. And begin today. Begin now. Stop waiting.” –Vironika Tugaleva

"Perfectionism magnifies your mistakes and minimizes your progress." –Jon Acuff

The Benefits of Letting Go of Perfectionism Quotes

“And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.  –John Steinbeck

“Welcoming imperfection is the way to accomplish what perfectionism promises but never delivers. It gives us our best performance and genuine acceptance in the family of human—and by that I mean imperfect—beings.”  –Martha Beck

“If you wait for things to be perfect, you walk away with nothing. Just jump in and get started.”  –Jennifer Ritchie Payette

Flowers have to be buds before they can be in full bloom. We don't wait to enjoy them until they are in full bloom. We enjoy them through each stage. Enjoy yourself and the things that you do through each stage too. 

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