Never Good Enough: How to Use Perfectionism to Your Advantage Without Letting It Ruin Your Life

by Monica Ramirez Basco

Book Overview

* Do you feel that no matter how hard you try it is never good enough?
* Do you spend too much time trying to get things exactly right in order to avoid criticism?
* Does it seem that at any minute people will find out that you are not really what you seem to be?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with perfectionistic tendencies. They can serve a positive purpose in your life. But having extremely...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068486293X
• ISBN13: 9780684862934
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Good Enough For Me

People tend to look at "perfectionists" with admiration. After all, perfectionists try with all their might to do everything correctly in the most efficient way. Are we wrong to admire them? Shouldn't we try to emulate them? If you are a perfectionist, you know that the desire to be perfect becomes an exercise in futility; you're never good enough no matter what you do. You can work harder, longer, smarter - it's just not enough. Dr. Basco's book first helps you determine if you actually are a perfectionist. After taking the self-assessment, I discovered I was a full-fledged perfectionist. And in my case, it was impacting my life in a negative way. Part of the problem with perfectionists goes back to their early beliefs and expectations. Basco shows how these early thoughts influence us to become perfectionists. She also shows how uncontrolled perfectionism can destroy relationships at every level. Uncontrolled, it can ruin lives. That's why this book is so valuable. The author shows perfectionists how to begin the road to recovery, and how to stay on it. If perfectionism is influencing your life and those around you in a negative or hurtful way, you must read this book. I'm thankful I found it. It has made a huge difference. 263 pages

Very Useful

I love this book. It helps the reader determine if they are a perfectionist, how this impacts their lives negatively, in what areas perfectionism is a problem, and gives ways to cope with perfectionism. The techniques to manage perfectionism are based on sound psychological theory. The author has a clear writing style and she uses alot of good quality illustrative examples. She makes the more theoretical material come alive and simplifies it without insulting the intelligence of the reader. Some of the activities can be time consuming, but they are well worth it. In fact, the book will really not be as valuable if the reader is not willing to put the time and effort in to doing at least some of these activities. The book also contains ideas to help people who do not consider themselves perfectionists cope with the people in their lives who are perfectionistic. Well worth reading!!

This book is a godsend!

I have struggled to get a handle on my perfectionism all my life. Dr. Ramirez's explanation of the idea that there are different types of perfectionism, and that people can be perfectionists in some areas but not others, really made sense to me. I have a much better understanding of myself and my relationships. The book has made a huge difference in my life.

Every perfectionist (and his/her spouse) should read this

My husband and I get along well but I realize after reading this book that I have been hounding him too much because he doesn't do things exactly as I like. Couples who find that they have this problem should READ THIS BOOK before it accumulates and they begin to experience marital difficulties. The greatest thing about the book is how well edited it is. It really doesn't waste a word, and won't waste a minute of your time. The author is to be congratulated.

This book really works

I bought this book for my wife and ended up using it myself. I recommend this book for anyone with perfectionist tendencies. The 30 question test is particularly useful. This is a wonderfully written book by an author who really knows how to connect with her readers. I have read every book on this subject, and this cognitive-behavioral approach is simply (with an emphasis on that word!) the best.