Perfectionism can be deeply damaging, both emotionally and practically. It often leads to procrastination, as individuals delay tasks out of fear they won’t meet impossibly high standards. This fear of failure creates chronic stress and anxiety, eventually leading to burnout. Perfectionists tend to tie their self-worth to outcomes, resulting in low self-esteem and constant self-criticism. They struggle to complete tasks due to over-revising, and their relationships may suffer from imposing unrealistic expectations on others. Fear of judgment limits their willingness to take risks or share work. Even when they succeed, they rarely feel satisfied, focusing on flaws instead. This mindset stifles creativity and causes missed opportunities, as they wait for the “perfect” moment that never comes.