You’re making a big decision, like changing jobs or ending a relationship, and it feels like you’ve thought about it from every angle. You’ve made a pros and cons list, talked to loved ones about it, searched for more information, and yet you still feel stuck, worried that you’ll make the “wrong” decision.

Perfectionism is often praised as a strength, and while it does have some clear benefits, it can also take a serious toll on your mental health. Many people who struggle with perfectionist tendencies also experience harsh self-criticism, high-functioning anxiety, and all-or-nothing thinking, also known as black and white thinking.