09/01/2026
✨ MWU Mental Health Minute | Week 3: Perfectionism
In demanding academic environments, it can be easy to believe that doing well means doing everything perfectly.
But excellence and perfectionism aren’t the same thing.
🔬 Research suggests that perfectionistic concerns—including fear of mistakes, harsh self-evaluation, and feeling pressure to meet unrealistic expectations—are associated with greater psychological distress.
High standards can help us grow. The problem comes when our self-worth starts depending on whether we meet them.
💡 This week, try asking yourself:
“What would good enough look like here?”
Maybe the assignment doesn’t need another hour of editing.
Maybe one imperfect exam doesn’t define your ability.
Maybe resting isn’t something you have to earn.
You can be ambitious and compassionate toward yourself.
You can strive for excellence without demanding perfection. 💙
If perfectionism, self-criticism, fear of failure, or pressure to perform is getting in the way of your well-being, we’re here to help.
💙 MWU Student Counseling Services
📧 [email protected]
Research Spotlight:
Callaghan, T., Greene, D., Shafran, R., Lunn, J., & Egan, S. J. (2024). The relationships between perfectionism and symptoms of depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 53(2), 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2023.2277121
