Definition: "a disposition to feel that anything less than perfect is unacceptable."

I recently spoke at a gathering about perfectionism. About half the room were prepared to admit that they were perfectionists. Initially.

Perfectionists are hard people to live with. Whether they're a friend, a family member, a business colleague, anyone at all. Why? Because nothing is ever good enough. It could have been done better... if you'd just done abc...if I'd just had more time I could've etc etc. They're just as tough on themselves as they are on everyone else mind you. It leads to a miserable life.

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against striving. Striving to: do well; be a good friend; do the best possible job; to attain goals; to do better.