COURSE OVERVIEW:

Perfectionism — defined as judging yourself or your abilities to a high and very unrealistic, rigid level — is often linked to self-criticism, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and even suicidality. Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can motivate you to perform at a high level and deliver top-quality work. On the other hand, it can slow you down.

Perfectionism is driven primarily by internal pressures, such as the desire to avoid failure or harsh judgment. There is likely a social component as well, because perfectionistic tendencies have increased substantially among young people over the past 30 years, regardless of gender or culture. Greater academic and professional competition is thought to play a role, along with the pervasive presence of social media and the harmful social comparisons it elicits.

Are you a perfectionist? ​Many people have traits of perfectionists and are even proud of them, but there are important differences between perfectionists and high achievers and being a high achiever is far better for your health and happiness. If you have perfectionistic tendencies, it's vital to find strategies to get past them and move toward being a non-perfectionistic high achiever. Perfectionism can rob you of your peace of mind, enjoyment of life, and self-esteem. Though it’s a process that may take a little time and practice, shedding the burden of perfectionism can greatly decrease the level of stress you feel on a daily basis.

Perfectionists set unrealistically high expectations for themselves and others. They are quick to find fault and overly critical of mistakes. They tend to procrastinate a project out of their fear of failure. They shrug off compliments and forget to celebrate their success. Instead, they look to specific people in their life for approval and validation.

Perfectionism is different in that the focus is less forgiving; perfectionists beat themselves up for anything that appears to be lacking, and this robs them of the satisfaction and pride that comes from all of the things that they do well. One of the most significant problems that perfectionists face is the fear that if they stop shooting for perfection, they will become low achievers and their goals will go by the wayside. Let this reassure you: Letting go of perfectionist attitudes can actually help you to excel more!

The terms “perfectionist” and “OCD” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Perfectionism is a personality trait characterised by high expectations and standards, while obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition where a person experiences intrusive thoughts and/or repetitive behaviours they are unable to control. Perfectionistic tendencies may or may not be a symptom of OCD.

Perfectionists actually achieve less than those with healthier attitudes, because their focus on perfection robs them of motivation and can bring on procrastination and other self-defeating behaviours.

This course will give you a real insight into perfectionism, and help you understand yourself and others better. You will learn how to think differently and how to behave differently. With this increased self-awareness, a real desire to change and some tools to help you, you can overcome crippling perfectionism.

The first part of this course starts by explaining what perfectionism is and how it is developed. Then examines the differences between the healthy achiever and the perfectionist. Then examines the different types of perfectionism and shows the general personality traits of the perfectionist. Then provides a questionnaire to help you identify how much of a perfectionist you are, including a cost benefit assessment. Then discusses the effect of perfectionism on our lives.

The second part starts by discussing the relationship between perfectionism and stress, worry & anxiety. Then explains how perfectionism shows itself at work and why perfectionistic managers are unlikely to make good leaders. Then explores ways to change your perfectionistic thinking and how to change your perfectionistic behaviour. Finally, provides some strategies to help enjoy your work and become a more effective leader.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

• What does the term ‘perfectionism’ mean?
• The healthy achiever v. the perfectionist
• How perfectionism is developed?
• What are the major predictors of perfectionism?
• Gifted children and perfectionism
• The need for control in perfectionists
• Why perfectionists may experience obsessions and compulsions?
• The different types of perfectionism
• The general personality traits of the perfectionist
• The self-orientated perfectionism
• The other-orientated perfectionism
• The socially prescribed perfectionism
• How much of a perfectionist are you? Assess your perfectionism
• The costs and benefits of being a perfectionist
• The effect of perfectionism on our lives
• How perfectionists are driven for achievement?
• How perfectionists think about their body image and health?
• The social life of perfectionists
• The relationship between perfectionism and stress
• What is stress and what’s it symptoms?
• The relationship between stress and performance
• The relationship between perfectionism, worry and anxiety
• The nature of worry and the effects of worrying
• What is a panic attack?
• Why perfectionists often feel ashamed of negative feelings of over-compensating?
• Perfectionism at work
• How does perfectionism show itself at work?
• How procrastination significantly increases stress levels?
• How aggressive behaviour is often a sign of perfectionistic thinking?
• How perfectionistic managers are unlikely to make good leaders?
• How to change your perfectionistic thinking?
• The benefits or modifying the perfectionist in you?
• How to change your perfectionist thinking habits?
• How to modify your ‘demanding’ thinking?
• How to accepting your fallibility?
• How to change your perfectionist behaviour?
• How to become desensitised?
• How to improve your communication?
• How to become assertive?
• The rules for being assertive
• The parent adult child model
• How to deal with criticism?
• How to stop procrastinating and start prioritising?
• How to reclaim your life?
• How to enjoy the moment and learn to relax?
• The importance of exercise, diet and a good night’s sleep
• How to enjoy your work?
• How to develop a positive mental attitude at work?
• Why you should not be too demanding or judgemental of others?
• How to become a more effective leader?
• Why create a culture where mistakes are OK?
• Why focus on developing the strengths of each team member?

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.