Measure up: Are your standards too high or do you strive for excellence? Take our test and discover if you're a perfectionist at heart.

Straight-up, here's the lowdown on being a perfectionist and how you can adopt a healthier attitude towards imperfection.

First off, you gaze upon a polished Instagram feed and what pops into your mind?

A. Why don't I measure up? I gotta try harder.

B. That's slick, but I know it takes editing to make it look that good.

C. Whatever, I ain't stressing over averageness.

You slip up on a homework assignment. How do you react?

A. I'm a total loser.

B. Shame, but I can learn from this mishap.

C. Who gives a crap?

You spot a typo in your writing and:

A. Stop moving and obsessively fix every grammatical error out of fear of appearing incompetent.

B. Keep it pushing - it's just a tiny error, and it still makes sense!

C. Slap a jumble of random emojis and cut your losses.

What's your vibe?

A. I always fall short, even in the eyes of my family and friends.

B. I'm doing my best, but there's always room for improvement - I acknowledge that I'm not perfect.

C. I've got low expectations for myself, so the rest of the world should too - that way, I don't have to push myself so hard.

You upload a big accomplishment online and it gets fewer 'likes' than expected:

A. I'm dissatisfied af. Maybe I should delete it if it doesn't rack up more 'likes.'

B. Recognition is nice, but I'm super proud of myself regardless.

C. Why bother? I'll just keep my triumphs to myself instead.

Want a job done?

A. You do it yourself, bruh!

B. You give clear instructions and let others take the reins.

C. You let others do it - always delegating.

Your friends are dropping by for dinner and the supermarket doesn't have the food you wanted. Do you:

A. Hit every supermarket in town to find that specific item.

B. Find a similar option that should satisfy your guests.

C. Opt for takeout so you don't have to go through the trouble.

Score your answers:

Mostly As:

You're all about the top-tier standards and take a heap of pride in striving for perfection. You normally crush it, but in the process, you're excessively hard on yourself and others. You've got plenty on your plate and you like to do most of it solo.

When a massive project looms, you'll procrastinate like a pro out of fear that what you produce won't be outstanding or worthy of praise.

When you're being tough on yourself like this, take it down a notch and regain perspective. It takes strength and self-compassion, but it's an essential opportunity to ditch the "supposed to be" and embrace your true self instead.

Mostly Bs:

You're a driven individual who aspires to great achievements. Achieving high standards brings joy when you succeed. Constructive criticism is welcome, and you know you'll be mentally healthier and happier if you embrace the bumps in the road.

But that doesn't mean you should allow slacking when asked to do something - make sure you get what you want.

Mostly Cs:

It's true that 'Done is better than perfect,' but your lackluster drive holds you back from reaching your full potential. By not pressing yourself, you're also passing on chances to grow. You might be scared of failure or rejection, and that's left you a little indifferent.

Consider what ignites you and fires you up, fix on a specific objective in that domain and aim for the stars. This will help you to move mountains, achieve your goals, and revel in your successes.

Embracing Imperfection

Having high standards is crucial, but the path you take to achieve them can make a big difference in your attitude and self-perception. Author and expert Annika Rose breaks down how shifting your perspective on perfection will set you on a happier, healthier path.

A picture-perfect world

Many perfectionists strut their stuff with pride, like a badge of honor symbolizing exceptional excellence and unmatched quality. The snag, of course, is that 'perfect' is only an illusion, and the chase for perfection can actually set you back from progress and accomplishment.

However, perfection may seem obtainable via social media, but it's hardly effortless and enjoyable to pull off in real life. Whether it's trying to achieve an Instagram-worthy weekend escape or a Pinterest-worthy wedding, it's anything but easy.

Healthy Striving

A perfectionist typically piles on the pressure, armed with extremely high personal standards and an excessively critical self-evaluation in their quest for perfection. But rather than providing motivation, this pressure usually leaves them feeling stressed and ineffective. They may find themselves procrastinating, petrified of failure or receiving criticism, and feeling burnt out before they even get started.

Despite all their achievements, a perfectionist struggles to see their improvements and remains unsatisfied, always worried about what others think.

A healthy striver, in contrast, is someone who sets high goals and enjoys working towards them. They appreciate the process, learn and grow along the way, pay attention to criticism, bounce back quickly from setbacks, and ultimately become the best version of themselves.

Imperfect Perfection

The quest for perfection may be elusive, but it doesn't have to ruin your happiness. In this age where flawlessness seems highly desirable, yet unattainable, it's vital to maintain a balanced perspective. Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be awesome. You simply have to be you. Your uniqueness, quirks, and so-called imperfections are what make you more lovable, creative, caring, and captivating.

Striving for imperfect perfection is something we all can strive for and achieve. Here's how to apply this mindset to everyday life...

What people present online isn't always the complete picture. This is especially true on social media platforms, so pay attention when scrolling. Remember that you can't know what went on behind the scenes to create the image you're viewing, and be mindful of the unrealistic standards that social media may convey.

Knowing that comparison can steal joy, why not instead subscribe to outlets and influencers that keep it real for a healthier mix when you're online?

Positive Thinking

If you're battling with a perfectionist mindset, you may be bombarded with negative self-talk that undermines your ability to perform or complete a task. This voice stirs up self-doubt, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

During these moments, give yourself a gentler nudge by considering how you would comfort a friend in the same situation. Speak kindly to yourself and practice using affirmations that promote self-acceptance and self-love.

Celebrating Accomplishments

There's always something bigger to achieve, but that doesn't mean you should overlook the smaller successes. When you reach a milestone, pause and appreciate it.

Instead of using this as an opportunity to solicit the approval of others, take this time to reflect on the process, the progress, and what you've learned along the way.

Be proud of what you've done, and don't compare your accomplishments to others. You're on your own journey, so give yourself a round of applause for completing a task or goal.

A Stress-Free You

Understanding your perfectionism and appreciating yourself will undoubtedly make you happier, but that's just one factor that might be fueling your stress. Learn how food can help control stress with our guide.

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In the realm of science and education-and-self-development, a person grappling with perfectionism may constantly question their intelligence when comparing their achievements to those presented online.
In the context of health-and-wellness and mental-health, a perfectionist may fail to recognize and celebrate their personal growth and progress, leading to decreased self-esteem and increased stress levels.
When it comes to lifestyle choices and relationships, an individual with perfectionistic tendencies might find it difficult to cultivate and maintain authentic connections due to the fear of not meeting others' unrealistic expectations.