9 Must-Read Books about Perfectionism

In a world that celebrates flawless results, battling the shackles of perfectionism is an unsung struggle many quietly endure. The relentless pursuit of the impeccable can exhaust spirits and stifle creativity. As expectations soar, so does the search for guidance to navigate the perfectionist’s often-treacherous waters.

The literature on overcoming perfectionism is both rich and therapeutic, offering solace and real strategies to those who seek liberation from its iron grip. These books serve as lighthouses, illuminating the path to a balanced life where self-compassion trumps self-critique, and imperfection is not a flaw but a facet of being human.

Embark on a journey through the pages of wisdom with our curated list of transformative works. From scholarly insights to personal empowerment, these tomes invite you to reshape your relationship with perfection, and discover a more accepting and fulfilling way to exist within the world’s imperfect beauty.

1 . The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

The age-old view of perfectionism as a negative trait is turned on its head in Katherine Morgan Schafler’s insightful book, “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power.” Schafler, through her nuanced writing, offers valuable insights into the five subsets of perfectionism. Her approach is refreshing and practical, empowering readers to identify and embrace their unique strain of perfectionism.

This book is more than just a practical guide; Schafler infuses each page with humor and empathy, making the journey toward redefining perfectionism relatable and achievable. With her sound advice, which echoes the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and commitment therapy, individuals are encouraged to learn from their mistakes with compassion and strive for personal growth.

“The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” is a must-read for anyone trapped in the grip of unhealthy perfectionism. It equips readers with effective strategies to live a more productive and fulfilling life, transforming the way they approach various aspects of life. Schafler delivers not just a book on perfectionism but a manual for thriving under any life circumstances.

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The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power

From psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler, an invitation to every “recovering perfectionist” to challenge the way they look at perfectionism, and the way they look at themselves.

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2. I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown

“I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t)” is a profound work by Brené Brown that tackles the complex issue of perfectionism. This insightful book extends practical advice underpinned by the concepts of cognitive-behavioral therapy to confront the often debilitating fear of failure. Brown provides valuable lessons on personal growth, inviting readers to shift from the burdening thought, “What Will People Think?” to a liberating mantra: “I Am Enough.”

Delving into the roots of perfectionism, Brown’s approach addresses the negative impact of societal expectations and the quest for approval. Through her engaging narrative, readers embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, learning to view mistakes with compassion and to discard the myths about perfectionism that hinder a fulfilling life.

The book is an invaluable tool for those seeking to loosen the grip of perfectionism in their daily lives. With practical strategies, Brené cuts through subsets of perfectionism such as covert perfectionism and enlightens the path to leading a gratifying life regardless of one’s life circumstances. Emphasizing the need for self-compassion, resilience, and authenticity, it’s a must-read for anyone aiming to live a more productive and authentic life.

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I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Telling the Truth about Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power

Based on seven years of ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, I Thought It Was Just Me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity.

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3. The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: Evidence-Based Skills to Help You Let Go of Self-Criticism, Build Self-Esteem, and Find Balance by Sharon Martin

Perfectionism can often stem from a fear of failure or a desire for personal growth, yet it may lead to a negative impact on our fulfilment in life. “The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism” by Sharon Martin, LCSW, addresses these concerns directly. This insightful book is designed to provide practical strategies through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to combat unhealthy perfectionism. Offering practical advice for readers, it helps unravel the myths about perfectionism and guides the reader toward a more gratifying approach to life.

The workbook contains practical exercises enabling individuals to separate their self-worth from their achievements, an essential step in overcoming the grip of perfectionism. Sharon Martin’s clinical expertise shines through as she teaches valuable lessons on treating mistakes with compassion, setting achievable goals, and embracing one’s true self.

The “CBT Workbook for Perfectionism” serves as a practical guide for anyone looking to lead a more productive and less perfectionist-driven life.

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The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: Evidence-Based Skills to Help You Let Go of Self-Criticism, Build Self-Esteem, and Find Balance

If you feel an intense pressure to be perfect, this evidence-based workbook offers real strategies based in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you develop a more balanced and healthy perspective.

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4. The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: Build Your Best (Imperfect) Life Using Powerful Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Self-Compassion Skills by Jennifer Kemp

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, often driving us to excellence but sometimes crippling us with anxiety and fear of failure. Jennifer Kemp’s “The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism” provides a lifeline to individuals struggling with the negative impact of perfectionism on their personal growth. With a strong foundation in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Kemp’s practical guide teaches readers essential skills to harmonize their high standards with self-compassion.

This insightful book is not just about shedding unhealthy perfectionism; it’s about transforming it into a positive force for a more fulfilling life. Kemp employs practical strategies, complemented by relatable stories, to facilitate readers’ journey in loosening the grip of perfectionism. She encourages approaching mistakes with compassion, a valuable lesson for those striving for a gratifying life despite imperfect circumstances.

By utilizing actionable exercises rooted in clinical psychology, Kemp aids individuals in dismantling the subsets of perfectionism that may be covertly disrupting their daily lives. Her approach is presented in a way that intertwines her expertise with a genuine understanding of the reader’s struggle, making “The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism” a standout book on perfectionism and a cornerstone for anyone aiming to lead a balanced and productive life.

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The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: Build Your Best (Imperfect) Life Using Powerful Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Self-Compassion Skills

If you’re ready to stop unhealthy perfectionism from paralyzing your personal growth—and start embracing yourself as perfectly imperfect—this book will introduce you to a whole new you!

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5. The Anxious Perfectionist: How to Manage Perfectionism-Driven Anxiety Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Clarissa W. Ong

Struggling with the negative impact of perfectionism on your daily life? Clarissa W. Ong’s insightful book, “The Anxious Perfectionist” might offer the valuable insights you need. Praised by readers with an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, this practical guide delves into practical strategies rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Available in an affordable paperback format as well as audiobook, “The Anxious Perfectionist” is a valuable resource for anyone seeking relief from the constant anxiety of unhealthy perfectionism. With its easy-to-understand approach, this book can help transform your commitment to perfection into a commitment to a more fulfilling, understanding, and balanced approach to life’s aspects and circumstances.

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The Anxious Perfectionist: How to Manage Perfectionism-Driven Anxiety Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

If you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety and stress, and suspect your perfectionism may be to blame, this guide will show you how to stop getting in the way of your own success, and live a life guided by your deepest values.

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6. The Perfectionism Workbook: Proven Strategies to End Procrastination, Accept Yourself, and Achieve Your Goals by Taylor Newendorp

Authored by Taylor Newendorp, “The Perfectionism Workbook” serves as a comprehensive guide, ripe with practical techniques for individuals grappling with the negative impact of perfectionism in various aspects of life. This insightful book dives into the roots of perfectionism, debunking myths and shedding light on its covert forms.

Newendorp, complemented by the expertise of clinical psychologists, extends valuable lessons through a structured approach chiseled from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and acceptance commitment therapy.

Whether you’re fighting daily battles with perfectionism or seeking to improve life circumstances, this book offers a road map to a healthier, more gratifying approach to life.

Recommended Reading

The Perfectionism Workbook: Proven Strategies to End Procrastination, Accept Yourself, and Achieve Your Goals

Perfectionism can have serious consequences, both mentally and physically. But there is a solution—and it can be found in the pages The Perfectionism Workbook.

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7. How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from Perfectionism by Stephen Guise

Stephen Guise’s transformative book, “How to Be an Imperfectionist,” offers a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of personal growth. By embracing the concept of imperfectionism, this insightful book equips readers with practical strategies to combat the often paralyzing pursuit of perfectionism. Through the application of behavior modification sciences, Guise outlines practical steps to uproot unhealthy perfectionism, ultimately guiding individuals towards a more gratifying life.

The book’s core philosophy encourages readers to view mistakes with compassion, fostering a nurturing mindset that values progress instead of unattainable perfection. Stephen Guise’s approach incorporates mini actions—simple yet impactful tasks—that steer individuals away from self-criticism and towards fearless living and self-acceptance.

With this novel approach, “How to Be an Imperfectionist” serves as a practical guide that reveals valuable lessons and insights into living a fulfilling life free from the negative impact of perfectionistic tendencies. For anyone seeking to lead a happier, healthier, and more productive life, Guise’s work offers practical advice and a path towards breaking free from the restrictive chains of perfectionism.

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How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from Perfectionism

"While the freedom of imperfectionism is impactful, it does not preclude us from having problems. Imperfectionists aren't so ironic as to have perfect lives, they're just happier, healthier, and more productive at doing what matters."

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8. Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression by Margaret Robinson Rutherford

In “Perfectly Hidden Depression“, Margaret Robinson Rutherford tackles the often-overlooked issue of perfectionism intertwined with depression. This insightful book delves into the negative impact perfectionist tendencies and unrealistic expectations can have on mental health, functioning as a comprehensive guide for readers seeking personal growth.

The book’s practical approach equips readers with valuable insights and practical strategies, helping them reduce their concern over mistakes. Rutherford, a clinical psychologist, sheds light on the fear of failure that often drives unhealthy perfectionism and provides practical steps to lead a fulfilling life despite life circumstances.

Through the guidance offered in this book, anyone struggling with covert perfectionism can gain a better understanding of the roots of perfectionism and embrace a more gratifying, productive, and balanced approach to life.

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Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression

 If you’re ready to stop hiding and start healing, this groundbreaking book will guide you—every imperfect step of the way.

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9. The Joy Of Imperfection: 18 Simple Steps to Silencing Your Inner Critic, Overcoming Perfectionism, and Embracing Your Imperfect Life! (Self-Help Books for Busy People Book 2) by Damon Zahariades

The struggle to overcome perfectionism and the relentless inner critic is real, and Damon Zahariades offers a breath of fresh air with “The Joy Of Imperfection.” This insightful book is part of the “Self-Help Books for Busy People” series, indicating its practicality for those with demanding schedules. It presents a compilation of 18 practical steps directed at individuals aiming to mute self-criticism and accept life’s inherent imperfections.

Zahariades’ approach encourages readers to shift their perspective toward a more gratifying and balanced outlook. The valuable insights in this book can be a beacon for anyone with perfectionist tendencies, seeking a pathway to a more fulfilling life. Readers have found these strategies to resonate with their daily lives, aiding in personal growth and the pursuit of a productive life.

This book not only challenges unhealthy perfectionism but also serves as a practical guide with actionable advice that can make significant changes in various aspects of life, even amidst a busy schedule. If you are looking to release yourself from the myths about perfectionism and learn to put mistakes in perspective, “The Joy Of Imperfection” could be the valuable resource you need.

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The Joy Of Imperfection: 18 Simple Steps to Silencing Your Inner Critic, Overcoming Perfectionism, and Embracing Your Imperfect Life! (Self-Help Books for Busy People Book 2)

Grab your copy of The Joy of Imperfection today to finally muzzle your inner critic, leave fear behind, and become the best version of yourself!

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Overcome Perfectionism

These books about perfectionism provide valuable insights and practical strategies for addressing and overcoming the challenges of perfectionism. Whether you are struggling with covert perfectionism, seeking to silence your inner critic, or looking to embrace imperfections and mistakes with compassion, these books offer guidance and support.

By gaining a better understanding of the roots of perfectionism and adopting a more balanced and fulfilling approach to life, you can find freedom from the anxiety and disappointment that often accompany this trait. Through the pages of these books, you will discover practical steps, actionable advice, and relatable stories that can inspire personal growth and a more productive life.

Remember, perfectionism is not a flaw to be fixed but an opportunity for growth and self-acceptance. Embrace the journey, learn from your mistakes, and cultivate a kinder and gentler relationship with yourself. With the help of these perfectionism books, you can navigate the complexities of perfectionism and develop a healthier, more authentic, and fulfilling life.

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