Group Therapy (16) Perfectionism a fruit of Self Esteem

Today’s step will focus on one of the commonest Self-defeating
Beliefs: perfectionism. This mind-set can make you vulnerable to
all kinds of difficulties: • stress at work or school; • mood
swings, like depression and anxiety; • loneliness and
difficulties forming close, intimate relationships; • excessive
frustration, anger, and conflicts in personal relationships; •
problems in learning from criticism, failure, or mistakes; •
procrastination as well as difficulties sticking with jobs that
are tough.


One of the cardinal principles of cognitive therapy is that all
human beings are inherently broken and flawed. We constantly
battle against these flaws and try to become the person we think
we should be. Nevertheless, our brokenness—our shortcomings and
failings—can become a source of strength, once we confront and
accept them. It is only when we hide our shortcomings in shame
that they eat away at us and rob us of joy and cause us to feel
isolated from others. This vision is quite different from the
value system of Western culture, which suggests that we must
achieve as much as possible and aspire to perfection in life to
be special, worthwhile, and lovable.





Burns, David D.. Ten Days to Self-Esteem (p. 236). Harper
Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.