Overcoming Perfectionism: Finding the Key to Balance and Self-Acceptance

I am obviously struggling with the book as I reread sections to make sure I haven't missed anything! Still fighting that perfect thing.

I've spent the last 56 years engaged in critical self-talk and feeling no matter how much I did, it was never "good enough". I kept this secret to myself, never telling anyone else, or believing it could change. Researching my fears on the net, I finally found a name for it - perfectionism. I didn't know there were two types - external (everything must look perfect) and internal (everything I do must be perfect - I can never be caught making a mistake). I have the internal type. I then found this book by Ann W. Smith, who I knew of and respected for her work at Caron in PA. As soon as it arrived, I began reading it, and finished it the first day. Every page spoke the truth of my life, and gave me hope for a an end to the suffering. Last night I discussed my "AHA!" moment with a support group, and was amazed at the percentage of folks who could relate. We were excited to find each other, and relieved to hear that we were not alone. Right now I'm riding on a pink cloud of HOPE. For the first time, I truly believe things can change. Ann gives a step-by-step approach to recovery, with descriptions of the time and effort it will take. A great, life-changing book!

I bought this skinny little book years ago and consider it the self-help book for those of us who aren't "that" messed up. Being too hard on myself, demanding too much, had always been a vice. The times I wasn't accomplishing enough, I always felt like I should have been. Overcoming Perfectionism book really helped point out where these feelings came from -- did you know a highly religious upbringing can be "dysfunctional" if it makes you feel bad about who you are? I have made a gift of this book to several people and they appreciated making the leap from present activites to their sources. Ann W. Smith's voice is very positive, readable, and the book contains numerous concrete suggestions for change. It helps you see how good life can be once you show yourself the compassion you give to others and cut yourself some slack.