Perfectionism and thinking processes

You may also be aware of certain ‘thinking’ processes, for example:

  • ‘Anything less than perfect is failure’
  • ‘If I need help then I am weak’

(Referred to as ‘black & white’ thinking, no compassion)

  • ‘Even though I have prepared well for the presentation I know I won’t do well’
  • ‘I know on my placement I won’t do well, I am not going to be able to cope’

(‘Crystal ball thinking’ -  predicting what will happen, thinking the worst)

  • ‘I should never struggle or need help’  
  • ‘I should know everything about a topic and not need to ask questions or show I don’t understand’
  • ‘I should be able to manage better and work harder’

(Unrealistic internal pressure and judgement)

  • ‘Why am I not doing this better?’
  • ‘I never learn!’
  • ‘I am so pathetic and needy’
  • ‘They are all thinking that I am annoying and don’t like me’,
  • ‘I can’t believe I said that I am so stupid’
  • ‘I hate myself’
  • ‘What’s the point? I am rubbish’

(Harsh inner critic – talking to yourself using words and phrases which are critical and negative)