We’re All a Little Perfectionistic: What’s Your Type?

Why Take a Perfectionist Type Test?

Perfectionism isn’t about being flawless—it’s a spectrum, and everyone’s somewhere on it. Understanding your style helps you embrace your strengths and make perfectionism work for you. Here’s why this test could be eye-opening:

• Understand Your Habits Better: Everyone’s perfectionism looks a little different. Some focus on personal growth, while others aim to meet external expectations. This test helps you identify what drives you.

• Manage Stress Effectively: Knowing your style means understanding your stress triggers. Are you self-critical? Sensitive to feedback? Once you know, you can take steps to ease that pressure.

• Achieve More with Less Stress: Instead of fighting your perfectionism, learn to work with it. Whether it’s celebrating small wins or setting realistic goals, knowing your type lets you focus on what works.

How Perfectionism is Measured: The Two Key Scales

Psychologists like Dr. Paul Hewitt and Dr. Gordon Flett have identified two major dimensions of perfectionism:

1. Personal Standards Perfectionism (PSP): This measures how much someone sets high standards for themselves and strives for self-improvement.

2. Evaluative Concerns Perfectionism (ECP): This reflects concern about criticism, fear of mistakes, and pressure to meet expectations.

Each perfectionist type balances these dimensions differently. Below, we’ve shared the PSP and ECP scores for each type so you can see how they stack up!

A Taste of Perfectionist Types

Curious about where you might fall? Here’s a sneak peek at the most common perfectionist styles, along with their Personal Standards Perfectionism (PSP) and Evaluative Concerns Perfectionism (ECP) scores. See if you recognize yourself in one of these!

1. Considerate Perfectionist

• PSP: 6/10

• ECP: 8/10
  You value relationships and care deeply about meeting others’ expectations. Your strength lies in your thoughtfulness and your ability to support those around you. However, being overly sensitive to others’ feedback can sometimes cause stress. Learning to balance this by setting boundaries and making space for your own needs is key to thriving.

2. High-Goal Perfectionist

• PSP: 9/10

• ECP: 7/10
  You’re ambitious and highly motivated, driven by big goals and a desire to achieve. Your focus and determination are your superpowers, but they can sometimes make you overly critical of yourself. Celebrating small wins along the way and allowing room for flexibility can help you stay inspired and avoid burnout.

3. Conviction-Driven Perfectionist

• PSP: 8/10

• ECP: 4/10
  You pursue perfection in ways that align with your core values and personal beliefs. This makes you highly principled and consistent. You’re less influenced by others’ opinions, which helps you stay focused on what truly matters. However, being open to outside perspectives can bring fresh insights and opportunities for growth.

4. All-In or Nothing Perfectionist

• PSP: 10/10

• ECP: 9/10
  You have an all-or-nothing mindset, believing that if something isn’t perfect, it’s not worth doing. Your ability to commit and focus deeply on tasks is impressive, but this approach can lead to feelings of failure when perfection isn’t achieved. Learning to value progress over perfection is essential for long-term success and happiness.

5. Self-Critical Perfectionist

• PSP: 7/10

• ECP: 10/10
  You’re deeply committed to doing your best but can be your own harshest critic. This high level of self-monitoring can lead to stress or fear of failure, but it also drives your growth. Practicing self-compassion and reminding yourself of your achievements can help you stay motivated without the pressure.

6. Balanced Perfectionist

• PSP: 6/10

• ECP: 3/10
  You strive for excellence without letting it take over your life. Your ability to stay flexible and realistic sets you apart, keeping your stress levels low and your sense of satisfaction high. While you’re great at maintaining balance, occasionally challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone can help you grow even more.

Your Style, Your Strength

Every perfectionist has a unique style—and that’s something to be celebrated. By learning about your type, you’re not just uncovering a label—you’re discovering how to make your natural tendencies a strength. So, embrace your quirks, lean into your style, and let perfectionism empower you, not hold you back.

Now, ready to discover your type? Take the test on Routinery and get personalized routines tailored to your style!