The True Nature of 'Wanting to Do Something but Being Unable to Move': A Mental Prescription for 3 Types of Perfectionism

'I want to move, but my body just won't listen.'
'I know what I need to do, but the time just keeps slipping away.'

Do you ever feel disgusted with yourself for that?

Actually, it's not that you are lazy;it might just be that your 'perfectionism' vector is a little stronger than others'.

I am also a perfectionist, so I often find myself hesitating out of fear of failure and stopping in my tracks, unable to take that first step.

Even though we use the word perfectionism, there are actually three types.
Just knowing which type you are can make your heart feel surprisingly lighter and help you take that first step.

By the way, I am the intellectual type of perfectionist.
Which type are you?

Which 'Perfectionism' Are You? A 3-Type Diagnosis

Our minds have three priorities:'Intellect, Emotion, and Will.'Depending on what you seek perfection in, the reasons you get stuck and the countermeasures will change.

1. [Intellectual Type] 'Perfectionism of Thought' - Unable to move unless convinced

This type values 'no mistakes and logical consistency' above all else.

• Reason for getting stuck:
  
  Driven by thoughts like 'I don't want to fail' or 'I'm afraid of being unprepared,' you pour all your energy into planning. It's that feeling of not being able to start a game until you've read the entire manual.
  

• Catchphrase: 'Let me research it properly first,' 'Let's refine the plan.'

• Strength: Meticulous analytical skills and careful, error-free work.

• Breakthrough:

  1. 'Try moving forward with 60% understanding.'

  2. A perfect plan does not exist in this world.
     Actually, correcting as you go is often the shortest route.

2. [Emotional Type] 'Perfectionism of Emotion' - Unable to move from over-reading the room

This type values 'everyone feeling comfortable' above all else.

• Reason for getting stuck:
  
  Anxiety like 'What if someone hates me?' or 'I don't want to ruin the atmosphere' acts as a brake. You worry too much about how your actions appear to others, and you get stuck while searching for the 'correct' answer.
  

• Catchphrase: 'What do you all think?', 'Would this be a bother?'

• Strength: Deep empathy and a talent for harmony in bringing a team together.

• Breakthrough:

  1. 'You don't have to be liked by everyone'

  2. If there are 10 people, it is natural for at least one to have a different opinion. First, try prioritizing your own comfort.

3. [Will (Action) Type] 'Perfectionism of Will': If there is no result, it is meaningless

This is the type that values 'winning and producing results' above all else.

• Reason for being unable to move:
  
  While they have the most ability to take action, they suddenly lose motivation if they cannot see 'overwhelming results.' They can fall into extreme thinking like 'it's better not to do it than to lose,' raising the bar too high and sabotaging themselves.
  

• Catchphrases: 'If I do it, I'll be number one,' 'Is there any point?'

• Strengths: Tremendous decisiveness and the execution power to break through goals.

• Breakthrough:

  1. 'Enjoy the process'

  2. Value is not found only in wins, losses, or numbers. Allow yourself the pleasure of accumulating small 'I did it' moments.

[Reference] About the three functions of the mind

Perfectionism is the flip side of 'talent'

If you are feeling 'painful because you cannot move' right now, that is proof that you have such high ideals.

• The Knowledge Type is capable of analyzing things deeply to that extent.

• The Emotional Type understands the pain of others that much more.

• The Volitional Type has that much more passion to achieve things.

Perfectionism is not a chain that torments you; if used correctly, it becomes your own powerful weapon.

'Magic Words for Yourself' You Can Use Right Now

First, try reciting these words that match your type.

• For the Intellectual Type: 'You don't have to understand 100% to start.'

• For the Emotional Type: 'Even if someone is disappointed in me, I will be okay.'

• For the Volitional Type: 'Even if results don't appear immediately, there is value in moving forward.'

Finally

We all have 'Intellect, Emotion, and Volition (Action)' within our hearts. It is just a matter of which tendency is stronger.
It is just a matter of which habit is more pronounced.

Just by noticing, 'Oh, my 'Intellect' is coming out too strongly right now and I'm overthinking,' you create space in your heart.

You don't have to force yourself to aim for perfection.

Why not use that energy of 'I want to be perfect!' for just a little bit of 'forgiving myself' today?

May your life become lighter and filled with more smiles.

P.S.

Actually, you can know your type from your date of birth.

Knowing which part of intellect, emotion, or volition tends to be stronger from birth helps you understand your own axis for decision-making and is useful for making your life smile.

Furthermore, by knowing the type of that person you are interested in, you can understand how to interact and get along with them, which gives you a strategy.

You can find out your type and the other person's type in a 500-yen note, so please check your type and set your life in motion.👇