D009

Perfectionism

BD01 Self-regulation & Execution
Derived LayerMML-1

Version v1.2.4

Definition

A disposition toward excessively high standards that reduces overall effectiveness by delaying closure and over-polishing when “good enough” would be optimal.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Flexible standards: stops refinement when functional criteria are met; closes efficiently.

High Pole

Chronic over-polishing: delayed delivery, high opportunity cost, difficulty delegating or shipping.

Reference

High standards in narrow domains (public/reputation-loaded tasks), but not across all work.

Measure

Threshold: the acceptability level required to mark “done.”
• Duration: time spent refining after functional adequacy is already reached.

Measuring Methods

Quality-time tradeoff audits; “sufficiency point” protocols; supervisor/peer ratings of over-refinement.

Empirical Anchor

Perfectionism — multidimensional (Frost et al., 1990; Hewitt & Flett, 1991); adaptive vs maladaptive perfectionism.

Notes

Separate from conscientiousness: perfectionism is when the cost of standards undermines outcomes.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Perfectionism (HES Passport D009, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D009

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D009, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Perfectionism}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D009, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D009}} }