Counseling & Psychological Services

Perfectionism is the irrational and maladaptive belief that you and/or your environment must be perfect and without mistakes or inconsistencies. It is usually a habit developed in youth that keeps you constantly alert to the imperfections around and about yourself. Underlying motives for perfectionists are often fears of rejection or failure and a belief that no matter what you achieve, you are never good enough.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Believing that it is unacceptable to make a mistake
• Giving up on a goal because of roadblocks or difficulties
• Avoiding situations where one may be seen as imperfect
• High levels of anxiety, inability to relax, self-discouragement, and negative self-talk
• Never feeling satisfied in relationships
• Low self-esteem
• Need for excessive order and detail, sometimes leading to low productivity

Things You Can Do:

• Accept yourself as a human being who will make mistakes and forgive yourself for imperfections.
• Set realistic expectations and goals; setting your goals too high will not allow you to achieve them.
• Become aware of your perfectionistic thoughts.
• Learn to take criticism less personally.
• Focus on the process of your goals, not just the end result.

Help is Available

It may benefit you to talk to someone at the Counseling Center. Stop by during our Initial Consultation hours Monday-Friday 8:30-11:00 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m., or call (828) 262-3180. We can talk with you about your concerns. You may also learn more by checking our other links, or completing an online screening.

Crisis Services

If you or another AppState student is experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts or experiencing trauma in regard to a sexual assault, you may contact us after hours by calling the Counseling Center at (828) 262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on call.