Hi and welcome back to the savvy psychologist podcast. I'm your host

Dr Ellen Hendrickson and I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based

research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

This week will start a three-part series on surprisingly toxic traits that at first glance can seem harmless or even productive.

So first up, the finish line that can never be crossed.

Perfectionism.

We'll cover the three types of perfectionism and the eight problems that flourish wherever perfectionism takes root.

So perfectionism is tricky. A tiny sprinkling can be good, but a generous helping is paralyzing and self-defeating.

So a concept we talk about often on the podcast is that many things exist on a spectrum.

And perfectionism is one of these things so indeed a touch of perfectionism

includes something called positive striving. Positive striving includes high but

not unattainable standards and the striver feels satisfied and happy when the standards are reached.

But as we move up the spectrum of perfectionism, we cross a line into unrealistically

high standards, a rigid and unforgiving devotion to those standards,

and a belief that one's self-worth is contingent upon the results.

So let's get into the three types of perfectionism. The first two are damaging, but only the last is truly toxic.

So let's take a look at all three.

Perfectionist profile number one, self-oriented perfectionism. So here you are your own harshest taskmaster. As the name implies, the perfectionism is focused on you and your own performance.

Self-oriented perfectionists set their bar too high and when they inevitably fail to clear it

punish themselves with self-criticism and guilt.

Perfectionist profile number two, other oriented perfectionism.

So these souls control the actions of everyone in their life,

...