WHAT I'M READING WEDNESDAY: The Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler

Prior to picking up this book, I would refer to myself as a "recovering perfectionist".

Now, I realize that how impactful that phrase is, and how it's laden with past shame that can resurface so easily.

Shafler helps us see that perfectionism doesn't have to be a dirty word. It doesn't have to be something that you recover from, like an illness or a disease.

Instead, it can be harnessed.

It can be your superpower, rather than your kryptonite.

Not only does she break down perfectionists into different types:

• Classic
• Intense (me)
• Parisian (also me)
• Procrastinator
• Messy

She also advises that we also become perfectionistic (not a word) about certain aspects of our lives:

• Objects
• Processes
• Behaviors
• Emotions
• Thoughts

And finally, that we can fall into certain stereotypical roles when it comes to our perfectionist tendencies, especially around gender lines.

Despite the fact that I don't consider myself a perfectionist anymore, I am re-thinking whether I should reclaim that label for myself.

I am loving the book (halfway through), and find so many new perspectives around perfectionism that I want to continue to ponder and explore.

If you have a women's network at your organization, I would be honored to lead a book circle around it, so we can really deep dive.

Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

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