Differences and similarities between self-demand and perfectionism.

We have talked in many previous articles about self-demand and perfectionism, which often go together or coexist in the same person. However, there are differences between the two and it is important to be able to recognize them.

Both can be beneficial or harmful depending on how they are put into play. Perfectionism is governed by an idea of ​​perfection, as its very name indicates. And this can be problematic, in the sense that the subject may consider that it is never enough and that he will never be satisfied with his achievements.

What is perfection? Really exist? Can we believe that there is a moment when we consider that there is nothing more to do or to add? This is so subjective that it depends on the conception of each person.

From the psychological point of view, the claim to perfection can certainly be a very frequent source of frustration and anguish.

Self-demand can also be beneficial or detrimental depending on the perspective with which it is deployed. If we are going to analyze the term we see that it implies a demand towards oneself. Demand is associated with effort and implies a certain intention of improvement and achievement. However, this demand can become excessive, leading the person to demand himself to extreme limits, punishing himself, and not being able to value his achievements or virtues.

Self-demand, by not implicitly having the image of perfection in its term, is linked to the possibility of growth and getting out of the comfort zone that, if carried out in a balanced way, can allow extremely enriching processes for the person.

We currently live in a world full of aesthetic and behavioral patterns and ideals. Social networks show us a screen of "perfection" that confuses and overstimulates that self-demand, leading it down paths that move away from true growth.

Self-demand and Perfectionism are above all terms that refer to fulfillment, the attempt to achieve an ideal. And this can become a great trap, because, as we know, that ideal is not fully attainable and places us in a place of duty that is distanced from our own desire.

It is interesting to improve yourself, to work with a passion for what you want, and if self-demand refers to that, to moving by directing and mobilizing projects, then it is positive. At times, the flip side of self-demand is not trying at all or doing everything halfway, and this is not the solution either.

As always, moving between the two poles would be a good way to accept both sides of the coin, that self-demand or work on what we want does not cloud us and also allows us to relax, pause and reconnect with what happens to us internally. If they are not carried as a covert way of self-punishment, demandingness and perfectionism can be good allies.

On the contrary, if they become traits that inhibit us and prevent us from moving forward, then they have turned against us. They become reasons to reinforce the idea that something is always missing or that nothing we do is enough.

As we can see, these terms are distinguished and also have much in common. They are traits with many nuances and depending on how we direct them, they can help us or hinder us along the way.

 

Thank You