Freeing Our Families from Perfectionism

Rating:
Summary: Right On The Mark
Review: Dr Greenspon has really delivered! I was amazed at his accuracy and compassion about the problem of perfectionism. It's like he knew me personally. I'm much more compassionate about my child now and hope that the future will be bright for her. Thank you Dr G!!

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommend!
Review: This book defines the true meaning of perfectionism -- which is not what most people think it is. Before reading his book, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the traits of a perfectionist, but now I realize I was off the mark. Greenspon educated and enlightened me in an easy-to-read, accessible way that opened my eyes to my own perfectionism, and helped me recognize ways to keep it from taking over my life.

It is clear from the beginning that Greenspon is writing from personal experience, as well as from his many years of counseling experience. His suggestions and reminders lead the readers to apply the information he provides in their own lives. He offers checklists, questions, and inventories to determine your own "hot spots" or those of your family members. There is a strong focus on working within the family to help one another and provide support. He offers different scenarios for discussion, varying according to age of children, and also offers resources for more information on most of the topics covered in the book.

Greenspon makes the important distinction that perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for high quality in all that you do. He also explains how perfectionists are more motivated by fear of failure than by desire for success. This is where I had an "a-ha!" moment, and the proverbial light-bulb went on in my head. As I read more, I was able to look at my own tendencies and those of the members of my family, and start to recognize the motivation or cause of our behaviors.

I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they know what perfectionism is, to anyone who wonders if they, or a member of their family, suffer from perfectionism, and to anyone who is just plain curious about why people do the things they do. It is a fairly short book which provides clear information without offering confusing technical definitions or jargon. It is interesting, well-written, and informative. I offer my thanks to Dr. Greenspon for a book which has helped me to better understand myself and others.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommend!
Review: This book defines the true meaning of perfectionism -- which is not what most people think it is. Before reading his book, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the traits of a perfectionist, but now I realize I was off the mark. Greenspon educated and enlightened me in an easy-to-read, accessible way that opened my eyes to my own perfectionism, and helped me recognize ways to keep it from taking over my life.

It is clear from the beginning that Greenspon is writing from personal experience, as well as from his many years of counseling experience. His suggestions and reminders lead the readers to apply the information he provides in their own lives. He offers checklists, questions, and inventories to determine your own "hot spots" or those of your family members. There is a strong focus on working within the family to help one another and provide support. He offers different scenarios for discussion, varying according to age of children, and also offers resources for more information on most of the topics covered in the book.

Greenspon makes the important distinction that perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for high quality in all that you do. He also explains how perfectionists are more motivated by fear of failure than by desire for success. This is where I had an "a-ha!" moment, and the proverbial light-bulb went on in my head. As I read more, I was able to look at my own tendencies and those of the members of my family, and start to recognize the motivation or cause of our behaviors.

I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they know what perfectionism is, to anyone who wonders if they, or a member of their family, suffer from perfectionism, and to anyone who is just plain curious about why people do the things they do. It is a fairly short book which provides clear information without offering confusing technical definitions or jargon. It is interesting, well-written, and informative. I offer my thanks to Dr. Greenspon for a book which has helped me to better understand myself and others.