Customer Reviews

Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this skinny little book years ago and consider it the self-help book for those of us who aren't "that" messed up. Being too hard on myself, demanding too much, had always been a vice. The times I wasn't accomplishing enough, I always felt like I should have been. Overcoming Perfectionism book really helped point out where these feelings came from -- did you know a highly religious upbringing can be "dysfunctional" if it makes you feel bad about who you are? I have made a gift of this book to several people and they appreciated making the leap from present activites to their sources. Ann W. Smith's voice is very positive, readable, and the book contains numerous concrete suggestions for change. It helps you see how good life can be once you show yourself the compassion you give to others and cut yourself some slack.

I've spent the last 56 years engaged in critical self-talk and feeling no matter how much I did, it was never "good enough".
I kept this secret to myself, never telling anyone else, or believing it could change.

Researching my fears on the net, I finally found a name for it -
perfectionism. I didn't know there were two types - external (everything must look perfect) and internal (everything I do must be perfect - I can never be caught making a mistake). I have the internal type.

I then found this book by Ann W. Smith, who I knew of and respected for her work at Caron in PA. As soon as it arrived, I began reading it, and finished it the first day. Every page spoke the truth of my life, and gave me hope for a an end to the suffering.

Last night I discussed my "AHA!" moment with a support group, and was amazed at the percentage of folks who could relate. We were excited to find each other, and relieved to hear that we were not alone.

Right now I'm riding on a pink cloud of HOPE. For the first time, I truly believe things can change.

Ann gives a step-by-step approach to recovery, with descriptions of the time and effort it will take.

A great, life-changing book!

Anne Smith's book changed my life, pure and simple. The clear, compassionately expressed information in this short, easily read book helped me to understand myself, others and the way our society works in a way that years of therapy and self searching had not. I highly recommend it, and the Breakthrough at Caron program, for any one who wishes to live life more fully and happily.

This is the first e-book that I read on my Kindle and found it to be very informative. I have been a perfectionest for as long as I can remember and it was good to understand why.Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery

WOW...this book was SO enlightening for me. I never realized some of my actions were because of my perfectionism. It also helped me understand my siblings better. There were several "a-ha" moments that I had! :) Definitely recommended if you are a perfectionist or have a close relationship with one!!

I had started reading this book on my kindle, but needed the paperback copy so that I could make notes. It came in a timely manner and the ordering of it was easy. No problems with anything. This book is amazing and will help me every day of my life.

Just starting this book, but can see already tell that the author truly understands the challenges perfectionists face and addresses how to manage it.

it came up on a "free" kindle book search...so i downloaded it. while sitting in traffic i used the Audio feature on my kindle and used it as an Audio Book.

great information, great insights...most i could relate with....i love the "to-don't" list ;0)

I can say that the tittle of this book is misleading. You will not overcome any habit whatsoever as the information found
within its pages are the same kind of psycho-babble you hear every day for free anywhere. Its been some months I've read
this book and many others about issues with perfectionism and control and come to think about it, I don't even recall the
contents of this book! On the other hand, books such as "Why is it always about you" or "Too perfect: When being in control
gets out of control" have lines/concepts which make them a classic. I cannot stress the difference between these two books
and this disntictly average one. American psychology proves to offer nothing out of the ordinary and forgettable with titles
such as this.


P.S. "Why is it always about you" is a book about Narcisistic personality disorder and the personality traits characteristic
of it. I also recommend medical literature if one's issues with perfectionism and/or control have gotten out of hand. You
or someone you know could be afflicted with a mental disorder which could necesitate broader treatment than some "light"
approach can offer.

I am obviously struggling with the book as I reread sections to make sure I haven't missed anything! Still fighting that perfect thing.