"Le perfectionnisme est un bouclier de 20 tonnes. C'est une façon de penser qui dit ceci : Si je parais parfait, vis parfaitement, travaille parfaitement, je peux éviter ou minimiser la honte, le blâme et le jugement."
— Brene Brown
Simplified Meaning:
Perfectionism is like carrying a heavy shield that you think will protect you from criticism and negative feelings. People believe that if they appear flawless in everything they do, others won’t judge or criticize them. However, trying to be perfect in all aspects of life can become overwhelming and stressful. For example, imagine a student who spends countless hours making sure every assignment is flawless. This student might think that perfect grades will make everyone, including their parents and teachers, happy and proud, and in turn, they will not face any disapproval or disappointment. In reality, striving for perfection can lead to burnout and prevent people from enjoying their successes or taking risks. It can also make them feel isolated because they are too focused on appearing perfect rather than connecting with others genuinely. To apply this understanding in life, it’s better to aim for doing your best and accepting that mistakes and imperfections are a natural and valuable part of learning and growth. This mindset allows people to be more compassionate toward themselves and others, which can lead to deeper relationships and a more satisfying life.