What Is Perfectionism?

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Perfectionism can both stimulate and suppress creative thinking.

Perfectionists often exhibit one of two types of perfectionism.

Perfectionists can enhance their creativity with a deeper emphasis on flexibility.

The dictionary defines “perfectionism” as “a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable.” In other words, perfectionists are individuals who feel a strong need for flawless or extremely high-quality work. Specifically, they often set very high (often unrealistic) standards for themselves, have a tendency to be overly critical of their mistakes, spend inordinate amounts of time trying to fix small details, and are commonly dissatisfied unless things turn out “perfect.”

Does such a tendency for perfectionism have a negative or positive effect on one's overall creativity? The answer, as you might expect, is somewhat complicated. Let’s take a look.

What Research Says About Perfectionism and Creativity

Perfectionists often exhibit several commanding traits: all-or-nothing thinking, fear of mistakes, overly high standards, self-criticism, difficulty finishing tasks, and a sensitivity to judgment. It’s important to note, however, that perfectionism isn’t the same as being detail-oriented (often, a healthy trait). Rather, perfectionism is usually maladaptive, often causing stress and/or anxiety, preventing an individual from completing tasks, or resulting in feelings of insecurity.

In terms of its influence on creativity, many psychologists describe perfectionism as both a barrier and motivator to creative work. Leon Garber, a licensed mental health counselor........

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