Perfectionism Quiz Results

Self-Punishers hold themselves to strong morals and high standards. They feel a little bit guilty most of the time, so they have difficulty relaxing or letting loose. Self-Punishers struggle to show themselves the same mercy, forgiveness, and compassion they easily offer to others. You can recognize them by their excessive over-apologizing.
You've probably heard that you're too hard on yourself. Self-compassion sounds great in theory, but applying it is complicated. If it feels selfish or wrong to give yourself some grace—but you don't feel that way about other people—ask yourself why you're the only exception. What is the tiniest kindness you can give yourself?
Take a minute to jot down your most common self-critical thoughts (e.g., “I’m so bad at getting things done. I should be better by now.”) Then, with the permission of a trusted friend—or even your pet—try saying these thoughts out loud as if to them (e.g., “You’re so bad at getting things done.”) Notice how harsh it sounds, and ask your friend how it would feel to hear that voice all the time.

The Over-Burdened care deeply, and feel personally responsible for everything from climate change to other people's moods. They're weighed down by problems beyond their control. They may strive to live up to a sense of destiny or "specialness." As kids, their parents may have had high expectations or relied on them heavily for the family's needs.
Caring about everything can be exhausting, but turning it off isn't easy. Reflect on what's actually in your jurisdiction. What do you have real agency over? What do you feel like you 'should' care about? Your passion is powerful. What would happen if you focused your energy like a laserbeam instead of a discoball?
Identify one responsibility you’ve taken on (emotionally or practically) that isn’t truly yours. For example, maybe you’re peacekeeping between two family members, or you’re doing somebody else’s chore because “it’s easier if I just do it myself.” Let it go for a week—no fixing, no over-managing. See if the world keeps turning anyway.

Self-Sacrificers always put others first. They're often in caretaking roles both professionally and socially. Between a fear of disappointing others, a sense of responsibility for other peoples' well-being, and an inability to say no, they can easily burn themselves out. Self-Sacrificers don't know how to take a vacation...or a compliment.
It's so hard to balance self-sacrifice when it's framed as what 'good people' are expected to do. Serving others is meaningful, but it doesn't make you a worthier person. Other peoples' needs will expand to fit the container. Consider giving your service a defined container: a set amount of time or tasks that feels sustainable to offer, leaving space for your own well-being. Make friends with your limitations and be real with yourself about what you can and can't give.
You may not be good at taking vacations, but you can start small. Each day this week, swap one maintenance break (scrolling, errands, hiding in the bathroom) for 10 minutes of real nourishment. Test out different things—nature, music, rest, poetry, play—and notice what actually lifts you.

If these hit close to home,

Pleasers are easy to get along with. They like to be liked, and they hustle for approval. They avoid conflict, scary conversations, and setting boundaries. They may trust others' opinions more than their own and adapt themselves to those around them. Pleasers tend to fear that everybody is secretly mad at them all the time despite no such evidence.
Everybody wants love, approval, and authentic relationships. Any relationship worth having can withstand a bit of friction. Boundaries are a gift, albeit sometimes uncomfortable to give. Boundaries are the rules that establish safety to be one's honest and messy self in a relationship, and that's where the magic happens. Get clear on your values and learn how to set, communicate, and keep healthy boundaries.
Jot down ten things that define you outside of other people’s opinions (e.g., I love hiking, I’m funny when I’m tired, I light up around animals). Keep the list handy. When you’re fretting about the perfect text or worrying that someone’s mad at you, read it to remind yourself of who you are.

Over-Thinkers are careful and deliberate. Making decisions is a battle, so they struggle with procrastination and finishing tasks. Yet they live with the sense that happiness is just on the other side of the next milestone. Over-Thinkers often feel like everyone else has life figured out while they're stuck searching for the secret.
Over-Thinkers approach life like a multiple-choice test, worried there's only one 'right' answer and infinite wrong ones. But what if it's more like a creative writing assignment? You get to author the story you want—conflicts and plot-twists and all. Your choices don't have to be perfect; they just need to keep the story moving. Get comfortable with taking imperfect action, and find adventure in uncertainty.
Lean into the adventure. Problems are puzzles, tasks are side-quests, and decisions are plot twists. When a choice feels paralyzing, ask: What would make the next chapter more interesting? Choose that, and keep the story moving.

Over-Achievers work hard and expect a lot from themselves. They feel a strong drive for productivity, self-improvement, and fulfilling their potential. Accomplishments aren't cause for celebration, because they're already working on the next thing. Their self-worth may not go up when they do well, but it will go down if they don't.
Working hard and doing a good job are not bad things. But the treadmill of improvement never ends, and there is no arrival point. The pursuit of greatness can overshadow what's great right now, and achievement-based worth can veil everything in the fear of messing up. Look to develop a stable sense of self-worth that has nothing to do with failures and mistakes or with praise and accomplishments.
Recall a time you accomplished something that meant a lot to you (a graduation; a job offer; a 5th-grade project about photosynthesis) and linger there. Remember how it felt in your body, who you told first, and what made it matter. That feeling isn’t worthless because it’s behind you, and you don’t have to sprint to the next milestone to “earn” it again.