The Perfectionism Book: Walking the Path to Freedom

by Will Van Der Hart, Rob Waller

Our 24/7 world of endless information and demands poses a serious challenge to all who struggle with perfectionism. It's all too easy to become trapped in an endless pursuit of achievement at the expense of the life you had always dreamed of living. This book is about a change in perspective - seeing perfectionism as the problem, rather than the goals or standards themselves. Far from being a little habit that keeps us striving, it is the thing that stops us celebrating anything we might achieve. We are more wedded to perfectionism than we realize. It is embedded in our culture and bound up in popular self-esteem. Even the Bible's perfect words have been used to drive perfectionism in the church. The authors offer a fresh perspective on an age-old problem - a helpful blend of accessible theology, psychology and activity to lead us to a place of genuine freedom, gratitude and fulfilment.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 19, 2016

About the author

Rev Will Van Der Hart was educated at Cambridge and later Oxford University where he studied both education and theology. Will is a founding director of 'Mind and Soul' a mental and emotional health think tank with an international reach. Alongside his colleague Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Rob Waller, Will has written The The Perfectionism Book: Walking the Path to Freedom, The Guilt Book, The Worry Book 'The Mind and Soul Course', The Stuff of Life . Alongside his wife Lucinda Van Der Hart, Will has also written, 'The Family Time New Parent Course' and The Pregnancy Book. Will is Pastoral Chaplain at HTB London, he has two children, enjoys running, surfing and being creative.

Reviews

[Theodore Brun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book addresses such a common problem which often goes unnoticed and therefore unhindered for decades if not a lifetime. Van Der Hart brings his customary wit and wisdom to this particular problem, and with clarity and insight pulls it apart, and then brings it all together again to set us on a path to freedom. As someone who has been affected by a tendency towards perfectionism I found this book incredibly helpful. Another great addition to Van Der Hart's series on mental health.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book

I had stumbled across some of the practices and suggestions in this book, but found the clear way the book sets them out very helpful for this recovering perfectionist. It would have saved me a lot of time and grief had I read it years ago!

[Wendy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book in fact helped me realise that I am not,in fact, a perfectionist but still found some very useful chapters and will use it in my work. For myself I found the chapter on practicing gratitude particularly good

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book after hearing Will speak but I was disappointed with book content.....maybe because I'm not a perfectionist.

[Izzy Dye · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really good practical guide, points out a lot which i hadn’t even realised was perfectionism, a great way to start the journey of conquering perfectionism!