Never Good Enough: Freeing Yourself from the Chains of Perfectionism

Do you feel that no matter how hard you try it is never good enough? Do you spend too much time trying to get things exactly right in order to avoid criticism? Does it seem that at any minute people will find out that you are not really what you seem to be?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with perfectionistic tendencies. These tendencies can serve a positive purpose in your life, but having extremely high standards for yourself and others, and feeling repeatedly let down when these expectations aren't met, can leave you perpetually unhappy. Few of us escape the tyranny of perfectionism, whether plagued by our own feelings of inadequacy, or living or working with someone who never seems satisfied with what we do. As psychologist and researcher Monica Ramirez Basco explains, uncontrolled perfectionism can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of failure, and broken marriages and friendships. Understanding why you feel driven to get things "just right" can help you to make the best of your perfectionism without letting it run your life.

Dr. Basco has developed a thirty-question self-test that will help you determine your perfectionism profile and provide insight into the degree to which it affects your life. Her unique program — based on the principles of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy — shows you step-by-step how to overcome perfectionist tendencies.

Never Good Enough brings to life a cast of characters who show how Dr. Basco's easy-to-understand yet sophisticated techniques for change can help overcome the distorted beliefs and self-defeating behavior that stand in the way of success and happiness.

This is an invaluable guide filled with practical advice, encouragement, and strategies for self-discovery. Never Good Enough shows you how to stop the struggle with yourself and others, how to accurately evaluate your worth and performance in life, and how to replace the pursuit of perfection with the pursuit of peace of mind.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 267) and index.

Monica Ramirez Basco, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, researcher, author, and lecturer. A professor at the University of Texas Medical Center in Dallas, she lives in Dallas, Texas.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

0. Are You a Perfectionist?
1. The Two Faces of Perfectionism
2. Schemas That
3. Underlie Perfectionism
4. Challenging Your Beliefs
5. Automatic Thoughts and Thinking Errors
6. Beating Oversimplification
7. Adjusting Your Expectations
8. Perfectionism and Getting Along With Others
9. Living With Perfectionists
10. Making Changes That Last

Appendix: Where to Call for Help

Index