The Perfectionist's Handbook: Take Risks, Invite Criticism, and Make the Most of Your Mistakes

This is undoubtedly the best and most helpful book on perfectionism that I have ever read. I had never fully recognized how perfectionistic I had become in my work as a physician and how the perfectionism was actually hindering my providing optimal patient care rather than helping. I also knew that I wasn't being the kind of mother and wife I wanted to be, but didn't realize that it was perfectionism that was getting in the way of my doing things for and with my family. Dr. Syzmanski's book has been extraordinarily helpful in the way it distinguishes between helpful and hurtful perfectionism, and it provides excellent strategies for dealing with the hurtful perfectionism so it no longer is in control of one's life. I have shared this with 12 of my colleagues, and every one of them has come back and talked about how helpful the book has been to them and also to the patients with whom they work. It is an outstanding book, one which I would highly recommend to anyone who is struggling with perfectionism, or even wonders whether they might be.

I agree with the other positive reviews below. The content is excellent, and it is well organized and easy to read. i found it most helpful that Dr. Szymanski does not characterize perfectionism as either positive or negative, but as a trait that can be viewed as part of a continuum, and one that can be helpful in some circumstances and detrimental in others. As a person who works in a field where perfection is rewarded and often necessary, this approach allowed me to re-evaluate areas of my life where it was neither necessary nor desirable. I have given this book to several people (including my accountant, who I hope will continue his perfectionism in his work but be freed from its tyranny in other areas) and they have all found it very helpful.

I think this a great book for understanding both the positive and negative aspects of perfectionism as a personality trait. It has a lot of self-assessment questionnaires within it, which is something I wish I had known before purchasing the E-book instead of the paper version. It is written in a common-sense manner, and brought a lot of clarity to the issue without being overly dense and academic. It has helpful suggestions for ways to combat the negative aspects of perfectionism as well. While definitely not an overly expansive volume on the subject, it was all I was looking for in this book.I'd definitely recommend for anyone who considers themselves a perfectionist.

This is great practical, bare bones advice for busy, ambitious people who have the anxiety but not the desired results. Today's world incites high states of readiness to do it/get it done! Not always a good thing to achieve your goal. If you are always tired or second-guessing yourself, but feel like you fall short, well - this book may tell you why. Buy it.

Very awesome book!I learnt heaps!And I recommend this book to everyone!I learnt how to effectively deal with mistakes.Awesome. Which I could write more. But this is a C task. Those who read the book, will know what I'm talking about.

I am a retired school teacher who has always been a perfectionist to a fault. I thought this book could help me use my organizational skills in a very positive manner. However, it mainly addressed perfectionism in the workplace, which does not apply to me. This book was a waste of time for a person like me who is no longer in that situation.

Love it. Would have liked more research but this is really for a lay audience. I will recommend to patients.

This book is good and practical. I am not finished with it. It is deep but good.

I think that the content of this book is very well researched. However for me it was too scientific to read through. I hoped for more direct practical advice that you can implement in your life.