The Role of Anxiety in Perfectionism
Perfectionists are the ones who are never happy with their work, no matter how hard they try. They tend to feel like they can never do anything right, constantly doubting their abilities and obsessing over every detail.
It's not uncommon for a perfectionist to work on a project for hours and suddenly scrap it. They scrap it and start over, not just because it isn't perfect, but because of the overwhelming fear that it never will be — that they never will be.
Behind the unrealistically high standards and goals that perfectionists set for themselves is a pervasive fear. A fear that stems from the constant threat of having to come to terms with their own inadequacy — a worry of coming face to face with their imperfection that's so intense it prevents them from trying in the first place.
This is perfectionism at work, and it can be a paralyzing force. This condition is characterized by an obsession with excellence and a fear of failure. But how, exactly, does anxiety play a role in it?
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Perfectionism
Anxiety and perfectionism are two sides of the same coin. Perfectionism is rooted in the belief of not being good enough, while anxiety is the fear of not meeting the high standards perfectionists set for themselves to be good enough.
People who are perfectionists tend to have higher anxiety levels because they're constantly under pressure to perform. The constant worry that they'll make a mistake or that their work will never be good enough can lead to anxiety disorders such as social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder.
To paint a clearer picture, some of the thoughts that often go through the mind of a perfectionist sound like this:
“What will they think of me?”
“I can't mess this up.”
“I'm not good enough.”
“If I were better at this, I wouldn’t have to work so hard.”
The constant self-criticism and comparisons of perfectionists, to others and where they think they should be, heightens their anxiety. Their perceived failures cause them to believe that most things they do - and will do - are opportunities for failure.
Understanding the Cycle: Can Perfectionism Cause Anxiety?
When a perfectionist becomes so preoccupied with whether they are living up to their high standards, it can cause anxiety. They will start to second-guess themselves, worry, and fear making mistakes or how others might perceive them.
As such, perfectionism can be both a cause and a symptom of anxiety, where perfectionism triggers a cycle in which the worry it causes can lead to more anxiety. It's also common for this fearful way of thinking to become a person's daily mindset.
Reacting from a place of distress may become habitual, and one may frequently worry about the chance of future failures and mistakes.
For some people with anxiety, perfectionist tendencies come from attempts to control anxious feelings and avoid future scenarios that may cause them. But for others, their anxiety-based avoidance tendencies result from their desire to be perfect.
In either case, this can cause you to feel stuck in life, creating obstacle after obstacle in your path through life. From self-sabotaging thoughts to avoidance and procrastination, the challenges and immense pressure of perfectionism are tough to navigate alone.
I Might Be an Anxious Perfectionist. Should I Seek Help?
If any of the following begin to interfere with your daily life, it might be time to seek professional help:
Constant self-criticism
Excessive fear of failure
High stress
Avoidance behaviors
Trouble accepting mistakes and shortcomings
A constant need to be in control
The first step in overcoming perfectionism and anxiety is becoming aware of them. Once you acknowledge your perfectionist tendencies and your worries over not being that way, you can then form healthier thought patterns in their place. With adequate support, practice, and consistency, you can learn to accept yourself and embrace life with less fear and more confidence.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
