"You're such a perfectionist."

Are you supposed to feel insulted or flattered when you hear this comment? Is someone saying that you are detail oriented, organized, and driven to excel? Or that you are controlling, rigid, and self-defeating? Is your perfectionism a good thing, or does it get in your way?

In The Perfectionist's Handbook, Jeff Szymanski helps readers navigate their way out of the "perfectionism paradox": If your intentions are good (wanting to excel) and the outcomes you want are reasonable (to feel competent and satisfied), why would your perfectionism backfire and result in unhappiness, stress, and unwanted results? Many people consider their perfectionism to be one of their most valuable attributes and critical to success in achieving one's life goals. Advice aimed at trying to stop you from being a perfectionist doesn't ring true.

Jeff Szymanski, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), helps readers understand when their perfectionism will pay off, and when and why it sabotages you. Specific strategies are outlined throughout the book to help readers identify the difference between their "healthy" and "unhealthy" perfectionism. There is no reason to eliminate perfectionism altogether-rather, build on what is working and change what is not. In addition, The Perfectionist's Handbook helps readers to:

• Distinguish between intention and strategy as a way of improving outcomes
• Identify diminishing returns and ways to redistribute time and resources
• Make the most of mistakes rather than being preoccupied with trying to avoid them
• Learn to focus on your "Top 10" list as a way of getting the most out of your life
• Interact with others more effectively as a way of improving performance
• Establish more balance in your life

Transform your perfectionism from a liability to an asset. Let your instincts lead you to achieve your goals-but also learn to enjoy your journey and its rewards.