Perfectionism, or striving to achieve excessively high standards of excellence, can contribute to higher levels of motivation, goal-achievement, and performance. But it can also contribute to self-judgment, comparison, and other self-defeating behaviours, as well as more anxiety and stress. Questions to ask yourself related to perfectionism include: 1) Is this goal something that brings me joy and satisfaction? 2) What is the underlying motivation for my goal? If it’s not that it will bring you personal joy and satisfaction, reconsider the goal. If it is, think of ways you can break this goal up into smaller, more manageable tasks.