The perfectionism trap

We’re holding ourselves to impossible standards, no matter the circumstances. According to psychoanalyst Josh Cohen, perfectionism is a “fundamentally childish attitude”, ultimately holding many of us back from enjoying our lives. Moreover, with accelerating competition in the job market and housing becoming increasingly insecure, many of us are spreading ourselves hopelessly thin to gain a hopeless advantage. The arrival of the pandemic saw a reassessment of circumstances and a re-evaluation of priorities for many. But, old habits die hard, and this has often been short-lived. Here, Cohen urges us to hold on to this shift in perspective and find ways to enjoy ourselves more.