Perfectionism Is Rising

The kind of perfectionism driven by feeling that others demand perfection has risen by roughly 33% since 1989. This correlates with rising anxiety, depression, and burnout.

The antidote is not lowering standards. It is separating worth from performance. A child who knows they are valued regardless of outcomes can pursue excellence without the terror of falling short. This distinction makes all the difference between healthy ambition and destructive perfectionism.