Compulsive Perfection

Abstract

Abstract This chapter dives into the world of innovation and entrepreneurialism, to uncover the motivation behind creating something new and sharing it with the world. Faced with financial obstacles, public embarrassment, and potential failure, fanatics of innovation and creativity are resilient in their pursuit to create something amazing. Their internal need for achievement drives their behavior towards a positive version of perfection, while their low fear of failure keeps their self-confidence running high. Like other forms of fanaticism, much of the innovator’s activity is solarity, achieving a state of flow when the creativity is running strong. This is very different for individuals demonstrating negative forms of perfectionism, which is rooted in perceived high social expectations, or those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, where driving toward perfection acts as a bully and sucks enjoyment away. Through exposure therapy, the bully is contained and balance restored to allow individuals to pursue their passions.