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Rating: 
Summary: Very helpful book
Review: After reading the main part of the book, I am so grateful for having bought this book. I have been extremely depressed because of my excessive high standards toward myself. This book acts as a mirror to my problems and I can see my perfectionistic tendencies in many aspects. I also try to work through the techniques suggested by the authors to overcome my perfectionistic thoughts and behavior. I cannot say that I have eliminated all such problems but I can see I am on the right track! I am now more aware of my fear and anxiety since most of them orginated from my perfectionism. My piano playing skills are improved after using the practices the book put forward. The authors show their true understanding of the dilemma of the perfectionists and could design workable and practical methods to overcome the problems. For anyone who are troubled by their perfectionism (I guess some are even not aware that they are perfectionist), this books will help. Clear, live and simple examples are given to illustrate what are truly "perfectionistic" which give rise problems. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for understanding and changing perfectionism
Review: As a psychologist working in a college counseling center, I see many students who beat themselves up with perfectionistic-type thoughts such as "If I don't get an A in this class, I'm a failure" or "I can't let my friends know I'm upset because they'll think there's something wrong with me." These destructive thoughts can have a devastating impact by leading to anxiety, depression, and a host of other difficulties, and this is the #1 book I recommend to students who are struggling with these issues. The first section of the book, Understanding Perfectionism, helps the reader to better understand the impact of perfectionism on their life, particularly in the areas of thoughts and behavior. The second section, Overcoming Perfectionism, begins with a self-assessment designed to help the reader identify how their own perfectionistic tendencies manifest. Following the assessment, specific exercises assist the reader in identifying goals and developing a plan for change. Finally, this section offers a wide variety of strategies for changing perfectionist thoughts and behaviors. The final section of the book focuses on specific problems related to perfectionism, with chapters on depression, anger, social anxiety, worry, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and body image. These chapters contain additional exercises, further information on coping strategies, and an overview of available mental health treatment for each concern. I particularly like the workbook-style format of this book, as it provides the reader with personalized assistance. Reading this book is an excellent first step for anyone who is trying to understand and wanting to change their perfectionistic tendencies; it also can be used as an adjunct to therapy.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for understanding and changing perfectionism
Review: As a psychologist working in a college counseling center, I see many students who beat themselves up with perfectionistic-type thoughts such as "If I don't get an A in this class, I'm a failure" or "I can't let my friends know I'm upset because they'll think there's something wrong with me." These destructive thoughts can have a devastating impact by leading to anxiety, depression, and a host of other difficulties, and this is the #1 book I recommend to students who are struggling with these issues. The first section of the book, Understanding Perfectionism, helps the reader to better understand the impact of perfectionism on their life, particularly in the areas of thoughts and behavior. The second section, Overcoming Perfectionism, begins with a self-assessment designed to help the reader identify how their own perfectionistic tendencies manifest. Following the assessment, specific exercises assist the reader in identifying goals and developing a plan for change. Finally, this section offers a wide variety of strategies for changing perfectionist thoughts and behaviors. The final section of the book focuses on specific problems related to perfectionism, with chapters on depression, anger, social anxiety, worry, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and body image. These chapters contain additional exercises, further information on coping strategies, and an overview of available mental health treatment for each concern. I particularly like the workbook-style format of this book, as it provides the reader with personalized assistance. Reading this book is an excellent first step for anyone who is trying to understand and wanting to change their perfectionistic tendencies; it also can be used as an adjunct to therapy.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely helpful
Review: I worked through this book nine months ago and have since enjoyed the most productive, creative, and calmest nine months of my career. I thought the first part, Understanding Perfectionism, would be a waste of time, but it helped me to realize I had perfectionist tendencies in several areas of my life. The second and third parts present methods to assess and overcome perfectionism. The methods are specific and numerous; you are led to select those that are most applicable to your situation. I have been amazed at how well the book targeted my problems and at how much this book has helped. I highly recommend Antony and Swinson's book for anyone with perfectionist tendencies.
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