We had a 50-minute session today, and the client began by expressing frustration over their perfectionist tendencies, particularly in their job. They said, "I just can't let anything be less than perfect," explaining how it causes them a great deal of stress. They mentioned how this tendency to over-prepare often leads to burnout, where they are unable to relax or feel satisfied with their work. We discussed how perfectionism can block personal growth and reduce productivity in the long run, leading them to feel overwhelmed by the pressure they place on themselves. We also explored the origin of their perfectionistic tendencies, linking them to early childhood experiences with overbearing caregivers.
In our session, we talked about the impact perfectionism has had on their relationships and self-esteem, often feeling like they fall short despite their best efforts. I suggested starting small by setting achievable goals and focusing on progress rather than perfection. The client seemed hesitant but was willing to try, agreeing to set one "imperfection" goal for the week. Their homework is to complete one task without revising it endlessly, noticing how it feels to let go of control and allow things to be "good enough." We’ll follow up next session to evaluate how they are managing.
