Customer Reviews

Never Good Enough: Freeing Yourself from the Chains of Perfectionism

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have struggled to get a handle on my perfectionism all my life. Dr. Ramirez's explanation of the idea that there are different types of perfectionism, and that people can be perfectionists in some areas but not others, really made sense to me. I have a much better understanding of myself and my relationships. The book has made a huge difference in my life.

I was practically in tears when I read the first part of this book! Many people don't understand the real definition (and CONSEQUENCES!) of perfectionism, but this book was GREAT! Not only did it do an exceptional job describing the signs and characteristics, in went in depth into related disorders. This is a must read for almost everyone! The two things I was disapointed about was that it didn't mention any relation or overlap of ADD with perfectionism and it hardly ever (if ever!) talked about teenagers. I think the author underestimated the vast amount of teenagers who have to deal with this in combination with depression and eating disorders, not to mention obsessesive complusive disorders. Over all it was an incredible resource though!

People tend to look at "perfectionists" with admiration. After all, perfectionists try with all their might to do everything correctly in the most efficient way. Are we wrong to admire them? Shouldn't we try to emulate them?

If you are a perfectionist, you know that the desire to be perfect becomes an exercise in futility; you're never good enough no matter what you do. You can work harder, longer, smarter - it's just not enough. Dr. Basco's book first helps you determine if you actually are a perfectionist. After taking the self-assessment, I discovered I was a full-fledged perfectionist. And in my case, it was impacting my life in a negative way.

Part of the problem with perfectionists goes back to their early beliefs and expectations. Basco shows how these early thoughts influence us to become perfectionists. She also shows how uncontrolled perfectionism can destroy relationships at every level. Uncontrolled, it can ruin lives.

That's why this book is so valuable. The author shows perfectionists how to begin the road to recovery, and how to stay on it. If perfectionism is influencing your life and those around you in a negative or hurtful way, you must read this book. I'm thankful I found it. It has made a huge difference.

263 pages

I saw this author on Oprah and this prompted me to buy the book. The writing is surprisingly good for a psychology title. I took the test with my girlfriend--she scored a 97 and I scored a 37. It's no wonder that she's rewashing the pans! I recommend this book for professionals (people whose perfectionism causes them trouble at work) and couples.

My husband and I get along well but I realize after reading this book that I have been hounding him too much because he doesn't do things exactly as I like. Couples who find that they have this problem should READ THIS BOOK before it accumulates and they begin to experience marital difficulties. The greatest thing about the book is how well edited it is. It really doesn't waste a word, and won't waste a minute of your time. The author is to be congratulated.

A psycologist told me that I was a perfectionist and I was initially horrified! I wasn't neat and tidy or obsessed with tidiness. How ignorant I was! I now know that I am an inwardly focused perfectionist who has a problem with making mistakes, confidence and a lot of self doubt. This book is brilliant. I recommend it to anyone. It has helped me no end.

Dr. Basco descibes clearly the unhappiness caused by perfectionism, either to oneself or to others. Self-assessment exercises enable the reader to guage one's own level of perfectionist tendancies. The author suggests that these traits can be most useful in fulfilling certain tasks, but affirms that we do not need to have our lives controlled by either inwardly or outwardly focused standards of perfection. "Never Good Enough" seems more like a genuine conversation with a good friend that an inpersonal academoc treatise. Examples of real-life people and their dealings with perfectionism enhance the reader's understanding. "Never Good Enough" turns out to be good enough indeed.

I bought this book for my wife and ended up using it myself. I recommend this book for anyone with perfectionist tendencies. The 30 question test is particularly useful. This is a wonderfully written book by an author who really knows how to connect with her readers. I have read every book on this subject, and this cognitive-behavioral approach is simply (with an emphasis on that word!) the best.

I must Thank you! I am 17 yrs. old and I have been a perfectionist MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE!!! It is awful for anyone who has ever experienced the pains of perfectionism! I can't wait to finish this book! I saw it on Oprah and took the test-my score was 1 point away from the max.!!! I hope this book can help me.

I discovered this book in an office that I was cleaning and knew that I had to have one. So I ordered it and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it so far. I was married to a perfectionist, and this book has truly helped me to understand him better and also has helped me to stop blaming myself for "not being good enough". I recommend this book to ANYONE who is a perfectionist, and to anyone who has ever had to deal with a perfectionist. You will NOT regret it!