Never Good Enough - by Monica Ramirez Basco (Paperback)

About the Book

This practical guide to overcoming the dangers of being a perfectionist--from debilitating feelings of self-doubt to difficulties with other people--shows readers how their perfectionist tendencies can actually help them succeed.

Book Synopsis

* Do you feel that no matter how hard you try it is never good enough?
* Do you spend too much time trying to get things exactly right in order to avoid criticism?
* Does it seem that at any minute people will find out that you are not really what you seem to be?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with perfectionistic tendencies. They can serve a positive purpose in your life. But having extremely high standards for yourself and others can leave you feeling let down -- over and over again -- when these expectations aren't met. As psychologist and researcher Monica Ramirez Basco explains, uncontrolled perfectionism can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of failure, and broken marriages and friendships.
In Never Good Enough Dr. Basco helps you understand why you feel driven to get things "just right" and shows you how to make the best of your perfectionism. Filled with practical advice, encouragement, and strategies for self-discovery, this invaluable guide includes Dr. Basco's own thirty-question self-test that will help you recognize and manage the negative side of your perfectionism. You will learn how to stop the struggle with yourself and others, how to evaluate your worth and performance in life, and how to replace the pursuit of perfection with peace of mind.

From the Back Cover

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with perfectionistic tendencies. They can serve a positive purpose in your life. But having extremely high standards for yourself and others can leave you feeling let down -- over and over again -- when these expectations aren't met. As psychologist and researcher Monica Ramirez Basco explains, uncontrolled perfectionism can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of failure, and broken marriages and friendships.

In Never Good Enough Dr. Basco helps you understand why you feel driven to get things "just right" and shows you how to make the best of your perfectionism. Filled with practical advice, encouragement, and strategies for self-discovery, this invaluable guide includes Dr. Basco's own thirty-question self-test that will help you recognize and manage the negative side of your perfectionism. You will learn how to stop the struggle with yourself and others, how to evaluate your worth and performance in life, and how to replace the pursuit of perfection with peace of mind.

Review Quotes

Cathi Hanauer Mademoiselle The book worked like a year of shrink sessions.

Mike Maza The Dallas Morning News [Basco] explains how to recognize and challenge the counterproductive thinking, oversimplifications and overblown expectations of perfectionists, and includes a chapter on how to live with one.

R. Reid Wilson, Ph.D. author of Don't Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks Finally, someone who understands the fear, pain, and exhaustion caused by the pursuit of perfection.

About the Author

Monica Ramirez Basco, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, researcher, teacher, author, and lecturer. She is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She has given dozens of invited addresses and workshops throughout North and South America and Europe and is the author of a book about cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder. Dr. Basco lives in Dallas, Texas