10+ Best Articles on Perfectionism
The most useful articles on perfectionism from around the web—beginners to advanced—curated by thought leaders and our community. We focus on timeless pieces and update the list whenever we discover new, must-read articles or videos—make sure to bookmark and revisit this page.
Top 5 Perfectionism Articles
At a glance: these are the articles that have been most read, shared, and saved on perfectionism by Refind users in 2023 so far.
How to ...?
How to Break the Perfectionism-Procrastination Loop
Are you dealing with problems related to procrastination and perfectionism? Learn about the perfectionism-procrastination loop and how to break it.
«I think you could substitute the word “unrealistic” for the word “vague,” and you’d have a more accurate assessment of the problem.»
How to be excellent
Plato and Aristotle can help you resist conventional worldly success, direct your energy and find your own highest calling
«Have the creativity – and the courage – to challenge teachers and authority figures without abandoning your craft. Develop your own sense of what it means to do your craft well.»
How to get over ‘never good enough’
Learn to spot unhealthy perfectionism, understand its emotional sources and find a way to silence that self-critical voice
Trending
These links are currently making the rounds on perfectionism on Refind.
Perfectionism holding you back? 3 ways to shift the habit
Your perfectionism won’t go away overnight, but author, podcast host and recovering perfectionist Morra Aarons-Mele shares tips that can help you take your first steps on the road to recovery…
Short Articles
Short on time? Check out these useful short articles on perfectionism—all under 10 minutes.
Leonard Cohen on perfectionism
“I found that things got a lot easier when I no longer expected to win.”
Escape the perfectionist trap with the Japanese philosophy of "wabi sabi"
Perfectionism is on the rise, and its consequences for mental health can be devastating. The Japanese philosophy of "wabi sabi" can help.
«“Instead, what keeps us living and what keeps me vitally engaged is a constant pursuit of betterment»
How do you know when a project is finished?
Alberto Giacometti’s difficult creative process offers insight into how to get past perfectionism and arrive at the conclusion of a given work.
Why Perfectionism Stops Us from Creating New Habits
By Leo Babauta When we decide to create a new habit — exercise, healthy eating, meditation, writing — we can get excited and optimistic, and have an idea of how it will go perfectly. This is such a…
«“Let me try to bring a daily ritual of doing X into my life, and be curious about what it will be like”?»
Unlearning Perfectionism
2022-02-04 There is a common idea that perfectionism is the need for perfect results: the maximum test score, the flawless recital, the unanimous verdict. But this idea misses the deeper reality. More…
Long Articles
These are some of the most-read long-form articles on perfectionism.
Perfectionism: Why and How to Beat It
A Guide to Doing Great Work without Fixating on Flawlessness
«rigidity is the problem, not the desire to do great work»
A Manager’s Guide to Helping Teams Face Down Uncertainty, Burnout and Perfectionism
Uncertainty, burnout and perfectionism are holding teams back — Liz Fosslien is here to share tactical advice (and her signature witty illustrations) on how managers can help.
«How does your workload feel right now? Is there anything I can take off your plate, help you delegate, or help you deprioritize?»
The perfectionism trap
Society bombards us with instructions to be happier, fitter and richer. Why have we become so dissatisfied with being ordinary? | 1843 magazine
The dangerous downsides of perfectionism
Many of us believe perfectionism is a positive. But researchers are finding that it could be dangerous, leading to a long list of health problems – and that it’s on the rise.
Publications
We monitor hundreds of publications, blogs, newsletters, and news sources in Perfectionism, including:
Aeon+Psyche
Aeon is a magazine of ideas and culture. Psyche is our sister magazine focused on the human condition. Visit http://aeon.co and http://psyche.co for more.
The School of Life
Ideas to help you learn, heal and grow. Subscribe here: http://theschooloflife.com/app/
Leo Babauta
Creator of Zen Habits. Training in uncertainty. Zen student, vegan, dad, husband.
Austin Kleon
NYTimes bestselling author of STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST and other books. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter & log off this hellsite: http://austinkleon.substack.com
Ness Labs
The learning community for ambitious knowledge workers. Join us to think better, learn faster, and work happier: http://nesslabs.com/membership 🧠✨
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We monitor hundreds of sources on perfectionism, including Aeon+Psyche, The School of Life, Leo Babauta, Austin Kleon, Ness Labs, and many more.
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