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Are you a perfectionist?

1. Do you set unreasonable standards for yourself?
2. Do you feel guilty if you don't measure up?
3. Do you worry that people won't like you or won't approve of you if everything you do isn't perfect?
4. When you are complimented, do you feel that you don't deserve the praise?
5. Do you tend to procrastinate or dawdle when working on something that will be evaluated by others?
6. Are you reluctant to hear feedback (positive or negative)?

If you answered "yes" to more than one of these questions, you are heading for the "Perfectionist Trap", if you're not there already. There are certain things that you can do to get yourself out of the perfectionist trap.

You have to commit yourself to the idea that getting the project done (home or at work) by the designated deadline is your highest priority. You are responsible for these things, so stop wasting time and do them.

Even if you make an error or it is not perfect, you need to get it done. Make sure you understand the expectations of those who will evaluate your work before you begin. Remember that fine- tuning, revising and continually tinkering with a project is just another way to avoid completing it.

Do your best work and finish by the deadline; don't defeat yourself with perfectionism. Evaluate what you have done based on the list of expectations, not your own "perceived" ones.

Get feedback and allow support so you can stay detached and not attach the results of this project to your own self-worth.

Finally, relax you are already perfect!

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