Perfectionism is self-destructive simply because… it chases a ghost. You’re aiming for a finish line that doesn’t exist, and it just burns you out. It’s a game you can’t win.
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Meaning
The core message is brutal but simple: Striving for perfection isn’t a noble pursuit; it’s a trap. It’s a setup for failure because the goal itself is a mirage.
Explanation
Let me break this down. We often wear perfectionism as a badge of honor, right? Like it means we have high standards. But what I’ve seen, over and over, is that it’s just fear in really fancy disguise. It’s the armor we put on to avoid being seen as flawed, to avoid criticism. But here’s the kicker—since ‘perfect’ is a myth, you’re essentially armoring up for a battle that doesn’t exist. You end up paralyzed, not starting that project, not launching that idea, because it can’t be perfect. So the self-destruction isn’t in the failure; it’s in the never trying. It’s in the quiet voice that says, “If I can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all?” And that voice kills more dreams than failure ever could.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Education (260) |
| Topics | perfectionism (24), standards (6) |
| Literary Style | clinical (8) |
| Emotion / Mood | realistic (354) |
| Overall Quote Score | 79 (243) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is straight from Brené Brown’s 2012 book, Daring Greatly. She’s a research professor from the US, and this idea is a cornerstone of her work on vulnerability. You sometimes see this sentiment floating around attributed to others, but this specific phrasing is all Brené.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Daring Greatly (39) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Perfectionism is self-destructive simply because there’s no such thing as perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592407330; Last edition. Number of pages: 287. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2012 Gotham edition |