Perfectionists of the Universe, Unite! You are the ones with the vision, the ability, the motivation, and the power to revolutionize the world. Pay no attention to those who consider the title "Perfectionist" to be a negative label, we know the truth!

PIHQ (Perfectionist International Head Quarters) is rather concerned, however, at the vast number of pseudo-perfectionists who daily tarnish the title. Under the guise of perfectionism, these people (well intentioned though they may be) cause endless harm and resentment with their "Sadim (opposite of Midas) Touch", turning everything they touch to…well, something worth less than it should be—certainly not gold.

Perhaps you question your own style of perfectionism, wondering if you yourself are guilty of one of the all-too-common errors. Read on through the following True Perfectionist Maxims to find out, then make any adjustments necessary to help you reach your greatest potential and destiny as a true Perfectionist.

Maxim One:
A True Perfectionist Must Be Effective.

What the world frequently mistakes for a T.P. is someone with an opinion of how the world could be better but fails to influence the world toward that more ideal state. This type of person spends energy wishing the world was better, perhaps agonizing over the fact that it is not, but consistently fails to take any steps to improve the self or the world around.

Another type of such pseudo-perfectionist expends effort trying to make the world fit his/her vision, but does so in a manner that confuses, annoys, and otherwise damages relationships essential to true and permanent change, growth, and improvement.

Such a blatant lack of practicality clearly demonstrates, at best, a very immature perfectionist. At worst, such a person is nothing more than an angry, fearful, lazy individual unwilling to put any true effort and sacrifice into world-betterment.

We beg all T.P.s to examine themselves, eliminate any such behavior, and otherwise strive ardently to correct this grave error.

Maxim Two:
A True Perfectionist Seeks First to Improve One’s Self

Inspiration through example and love is the most powerful tool for world-improvement available, whether the world under consideration is one’s own or the entire globe we live on. A continual focus on self-improvement helps eliminate the risk of hypocricy.

Maxim Four:
A True Perfectionist Must Seek to Teach and Train

A fatal flaw of many passionate, intelligent, and talented people is the tendency to do it all on their own. They often feel that, if left to less-skilled or adequate individuals, the job will simply not be done as well. This is a short-sighted view that inhibits mass cultural change. No change can be long-lasting without a large group of individuals who understand and appreciate a new way of thinking or acting.

Maxim Five:

A True Perfectionist Must Combine Efforts with Others when Possible

Piggybacking efforts makes change more likely (due to lessened chance of burn-out and failure and increased opportunity to teach, train, and inspire) and more permanent. Seek to spread good ideas and encourage as wide-spread involvement as possible.

Maxim Six:

A True Perfectionist Must Understand the Truth Concerning "Means" and "Ends"

"Does the end justify the means" is an irrelevant question. The Ends includes the Means. If you make your dollar quota but hate your job, have you succeeded? If you get your class to cooperate but create feelings of resentment in the process, will the cooperation last? Take in the entire picture. Make sure everyone wins as much as possible.

Maxim Seven:
A True Perfectionist Must Not Waste Excessive Time

"Wasting time" does not include productive rest, relaxation, entertainment, etc. But if you’re watching TV regularly more than an hour or two per day, you’re in danger. You have the power to accomplish many things, and if you spend time reading, learning, creating, serving, or other worthwhile pursuits, you demonstrate a true love of life and growth. Over months and years, you will reap greater rewards than you can now comprehend.

Maxim Eight:
A True Perfectionist Does Not Become Discouraged

Let your vision drive you. Let your passion drive you. Take time to plan and see what is required to reach your goals and dreams. Balance your life. If you become a workaholic, your quality of work will likely suffer. If you burn out, you will fail to create the impact you could have if you had taken better care of yourself. Thus your primary obligation is always to yourself.

Maxim Nine:
A True Perfectionist’s Goal is NOT Perfection.

A T.P.’s goal is joy, peace, the relief of suffering, growth, hope, faith, goodness, etc. In other words: Quality of Life. In all practicality, perfection is a myth, an illusion, a worthy goal only when recognizing the utter impossibility of the task. By seeking other quality goals instead, you protect yourself from many pitfalls of ineffective- and pseudo-perfectionism.