The Perfectionist's Handbook: Take Risks, Invite Criticism, and Make the Most of Your Mistakes
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The Perfectionist's Handbook Take Risks, Invite Criticism, and Make the Most of Your Mistakes

By Jeff Szymanski
John Wiley & Sons August 2011

Specifications

ISBN-13
9780470923368
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
Publication
August 2011
Format
Hardback , 204 pages
Jurisdiction
International ? Countri(es) for reference only

Details

A guide for getting your perfectionism to work for you

Is perfectionism a good thing or does it get in our way? In The Perfectionist's Handbook, clinical psychologist Jeff Szymanski helps readers navigate their way out of the "perfectionism paradox": if your intentions are good (wanting to excel) and the outcomes you want are reasonable (to feel competent and satisfied), why would perfectionism backfire and result in unhappiness and stress? Learn when perfectionism will pay off, and when and why it sabotages you. Specific strategies are outlined throughout the book to help readers transform their perfectionism from a liability to an asset.

There is no reason to eliminate perfectionism altogether—instead, build on what's working and change what's not. The Perfectionist's Handbook helps readers to:

  • Distinguish between intention and strategy as a way of improving outcomes
  • Identify diminishing returns and how to redistribute time and resources
  • Make the most of mistakes rather than being preoccupied with trying to avoid them
  • Learn to focus on your "Top 10" list as a way of getting the most out of your life
  • Access others more effectively as a way of improving performance
  • Obtain more balance in their lives

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Foreword.

Introduction.

PART 1: Understanding Your Perfectionism.

Chapter 1: Definitions and Types of Perfectionism.

Chapter 2: Building Your Perfectionism Profile.

Chapter 3: Insight Doesn't Always Lead to Change.

PART 2: Maximizing Healthy Perfectionism.

Chapter 4: Wanting Things to Be Perfect May Not Be the Problem.

Chapter 5: The Lesson of Diminishing Returns – Learn to Analyze Your Effort.

Chapter 6: Translating Mistakes Into Strategic Experimentation.

Chapter 7: An Unexamined Life - Focus on Your Top 10 List.

Chapter 8: Even Jesus Needed Disciples – The Value of Others.

Chapter 9: All Work and No Play – Why It's Important to Refuel and Refresh.

Chapter 10: Putting it All Together.

About the Author

JEFF SZYMANSKI, PhD, is the Executive Director of the International OCD Foundation; a Clinical Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School; and a Clinical Associate in Psychology at McLean Hospital. For more information, please visit: www.jeffszymanski.com and www.theperfectionistshandbook.com.

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