‘Healthy striving is self-focused: “How can I improve?” Perfectionism is other-focused: “What will they think?”

Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame.’

‘Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.’

– Excerpted & condensed from Brené Brown’s ‘The Gifts Of Imperfection’

Art source unknown, modification (labeling) my own