Most perfectionists I know realize that they’re chasing after an ever-fleeting goal, but this doesn’t stop them from obsessing over perceived imperfections in themselves and others.
The quest for perfection can lead you to constant disappointment and unnecessary misery. And in the end, you’ll most likely just end up with less progress, thanks to all that time wasted chasing the impossible.
If you want to change your perfectionist ways and start enjoying life, there are some inspiring and insightful books that can help you do just that.
Books for Perfectionists
Below are 8 books for perfectionists that will help you become more compassionate toward yourself and others.
1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown—a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging—shares 10 guidelines for living life with the understanding that you are worthy.
Brown compassionately explains how you can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection stop asking yourself, “What will people think?” and start believing “I am enough.”
2. How to Be an Imperfectionist by Stephen Guise
As a former perfectionist, author Stephen Guise carefully avoided mistakes and endlessly ruminated about what he didn’t do, while what he did do was never good enough.
Then, Guise became an imperfectionist and discovered that imperfectionism is freedom. He realized that imperfectionists are generally happier, healthier, and more productive at doing what matters.
In addition to explaining why perfectionism is not a worthy goal, Guise shares detailed solutions for the following subsets of perfectionism: the need for approval, rumination, unrealistic expectations, concern over mistakes, and doubts about actions
3. When Perfect Isn’t Good Enough by Martin M. Anthony and Richard P. Swinson
It’s only natural to want to avoid mistakes; but at the same time, our imperfections and shortcomings are what make us human.
If you’re a perfectionist, you’re probably familiar with the feeling that no matter what you do, it’s never good enough—even if others praise you endlessly.
In this book, you’ll discover the root cause of your perfectionism, how it impacts your life, and how you can use new, proven coping skills to help you overcome your anxiety about making mistakes.
4. The Pursuit of Perfect by Tal-Ben Shahar
Best-selling author and Harvard professor Tal Ben-Shahar has been trying to tell people for years that the pursuit of perfect may actually be the number-one internal obstacle standing in our way of happiness.
Here, he offers exercises for self reflection, meditations, and “Time-Ins” that will help you rediscover what you really want out of life, while reminding us that failure and painful emotions have valuable lessons to teach us.
5. CBT Workbook for Perfectionism by Sharon Martin
If you hold yourself or others to unrealistically high standards, this workbook can offer you real strategies based in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you develop a more balanced perspective.
You’ll learn the causes of your perfectionism and identify its negative impacts on your life. You’ll also learn to exercise greater self-compassion, and do the same for others.
6. Never Good Enough by Monica Ramirez Basco
In this book, author Monica Ramirez Basco explains how your perfectionist tendencies can serve a positive purpose in your life, but when taken too far, they can really hinder your life.
If you spend too much time trying to avoid criticism, believe that nothing you do is good enough, or suffer from imposter syndrome, this book is for you.
You’ll discover practical advice, encouragement, self-tests, and strategies that will help you recognize and manage the negative side of your perfectionism so you can stop the struggle with yourself and others.
7. Present Perfect by Pavel Somov
Setting high standards for yourself can be a good thing, but striving for perfection can leave you feeling stressed and disappointed.
This book presents the Buddhist approach of mindfulness that will guide you to self-acceptance, compassion, and love for each perfectly imperfect moment in your life.
With over 150 exercises and meditations, you’ll learn to become more flexible toward yourself and others without losing your love of a job well done.
8. Get Out of Your Own Way by Mark Goulston and Philip Goldberg
This practical self-help guide will show you how to transform 40 common self-defeating behaviors into more productive and compassionate ones.
You’ll learn how to manage and overcome procrastination, envy, obsession, anger, compulsion, and neediness—all often associated with perfectionism—so you can get out of your own way and get what you really want in life.
Overcome Perfectionism
Perfectionism can, almost ironically, stand in the way of meaningful progress. It can also keep you from being happy and enjoying your closest relationships.
To learn more, check out our post on the 11 signs you might be a perfectionist, which includes practical tips for changing small habits that can make a big change in your life.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 11 Signs You Might Be a Perfectionist (and What To Do About It)
- How to Stop Procrastinating: 8 Tips for Staying On Top of Your To-Do List
- How to Be Less Judgmental: 7 Steps for Being More Accepting and Open-Minded
- How to Be Creative: 13 Fun Ways to Test Your Imagination
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
