Perfectionsim Books

Perfectionism has long been considered an isolated trait, and surprisingly little has been written on the subject. Now, in THE CARE AND FEEDING OF PERFECTIONISTS, a California psychotherapist shares her discoveries both personal and clinical about this driving force so prevalent in human nature. Writing with bold honesty and penetrating insight, Cynthia Curnan details the problem of perfectionism and also the possibilities for transformation when the condition is recognized and understood. As Dr. Curnan points out, Perfectionism is not just about over achievement: some of the most severe perfectionists are underachievers. Perfectionism prevents intimacy, limits self-realization, inhibits the creative process, and causes the individual to not reach -- or to overreach -- to achieve desires. Addiction, in all its forms, is one of the most prevalent consequences of perfectionism. The book distinguishes nine types of perfectionism, giving the most likely childhood causes and the specific underlying fears associated with each type. It guides readers to identify and counteract their unique perfectionistic subpersonalities, so that their innate human urge to seek excellence in accomplishments may become free to express itself. Dr. Curnan outlines effective ways to master perfectionism, so that the reader may find deeper self-acceptance, a greater capacity to give and receive love, and a surer sense of being able to achieve personal and professional aims. Using these methods, she and her clients (some of whose stories appear in the book) have experienced a gradual lifting of deep-seated fears, a reclaiming of youthful vigor, and an abiding sense of life as a joyful adventure. Psychotherapist Cynthia Curnan, Ph.D. has explored the many types of perfectionism in her busy, southern California practice. She demonstrates, through her own harrowing story, the origins of her perfectionism. And, using client profiles she show the reader the many guises of the Perfectionist, offering real-life solutions to career, family, and personal dilemmas. Exercises to master the Perfectionist in each of us are included. Curnan shows us how to access 'inner guidance' as one of the ways of dealing with this controlling aspect of ourselves which can cause both fatigue and pain. This book is a must for those of us who juggle too much, in an effort to be 'perfect.' Every chapter of THE CARE AND FEEDING OF PERFECTIONISTS evokes conscious response within the reader. Cynthia's discoveries in her search for the Perfectionist shed light on universal social dilemmas. The reader will ask themselves "Am I doing this with my family? Is this why my job seems so difficult? Maybe there really isn't a problem with the boss, just a misunderstanding." Discover solutions to unsolved mysteries in your life, as this book creates a powerful response in each of us. Reading THE CARE AND FEEDING OF PERFECTIONISTS, will reveal answers for those hard questions we all must face in family, work, and social relationships.

From the author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People comes an inspiring new bestseller that puts human feelings of inadequacy in perspective--and explains how we can better love ourselves and others. Speaking with his customary generosity and wisdom, Kushner tells us why people are not meant to be perfect, and why we need not fear the loss of God's love when we make a mistake.

Mallinger insists that trading our competitive society's obsession with excellence for more realistic goals is the key to a saner, healthier life and offers obsessives hope and help to keep from being stranded in a mire of obsessive-compulsive behavior. For many of us, perfectionism can bring life's most desired rewards. But when the obsessive need for perfection and control gets in the way of our professional and emotional lives, the cost becomes too high. Although many of us appear cool and confident on the outside, inside we are in emotional turmoil, trying to satisfy everyone, attempting to direct the future, and feeling that we are failing. In TOO PERFECT, Dr. Allan Mallinger draws on twenty years of research and observations from his private practice to show how perfectionism can sap energy, complicate even the simplest decisions, and take the enjoyment out of life. For workaholics or neat freaks, for anyone who fears change or making mistakes, needs rigid rules, is excessively frugal or obstinate, TOO PERFECT offers revealing self-tests, fascinating case histories, and practical strategies to help us overcome obsessiveness and reclaim our right to happiness.

"When Perfect Isn't Good Enough" explores the nature of perfectionism and offers a step-by-step program of cognitive-behavioral strategies for overcoming it.