perfectionist - really?

So I have been reading a book on organization (Because, lets face it. I need help!) and the author was talking about different "clutter personality types". There's the hoarder, the deferrer, the rebel, and the perfectionist. I immediately assumed I'd be the deferrer because I tend to put things off, but I soon discovered that I better fit in the perfectionist category. I have NEVER thought of myself as a perfectionist. I think because in my mind perfectionists were straight A, overachievers and super picky about how things are done. I'm not any of those things. But according to the author's definition I am a perfectionist. This is how she defines it:

The Perfectionist: "Next week, I'll organize everything--perfectly!" (that is SO ME!)

Perfectionists are wonderful people, but they live in an all-or-nothing world. They do wonderful things--when they do them!

Perfectionism forms an inner barrier to cutting clutter because the Perfectionist can't abide doing a less-than-perfect job. Without the time to give 110% to the project, the Perfectionist Clutterer prefers to let matters--and the piles of stuff--slide. (me again!)

For example, plastic food containers may be overflowing their cabinet, but the Perfectionist Clutterer won't scrabble them to rights until he or she can purchase the perfect shelf paper, lid holder organizer, and color-coded labels. As a result, the massed and crowded containers stay put, falling down onto the feet of anyone hapless enough to open the cupboard door. (yep!)

Perfectionist Clutterers need to remind themselves of the 20-80 rule: 20% of every job takes care of 80% of the problem, while fixing the remaining 20% will gobble 80% of the job. By giving themselves permission to do only 20%, Perfectionist Clutterers get off the dime and get going.

That's me. I don't like doing things unless I can do them right, and I will put off things and put off things thinking "oh I'll get around to sitting down and planning that out and then carrying out the project." But what really happens is that the project just sits there needing to be done for months! Whether it's deciding on the perfect picture to paint for the kitchen, or reorganizing the pantry (which I DID finally start yesterday!) or writing out family rules and routines for the kids to follow, or getting my wardrobe organized and updated, or even making curtains (worrying it won't be the right fabric). I have a really hard time committing to starting a project because I worry it won't be good enough or right. Even in other non organizational areas of my life that personality type applies. I've always wanted to do things right even in the spiritual and social areas of my life. (not that I was perfect in those areas) I also quit things a lot growing up. (and still do sometimes) Now I better understand why. I felt like if I wasn't doing well at something I didn't want to do it anymore. (I quit dance, harp, guitar, crew, piano, sports, I even struggle with getting myself to keep working at the things I do feel I have natural talent for like art and baking.) My decisions in life make so much more sense now that I've realized this about my personality. I'm going to try to start doing the 20-80 rule. ("20% of every job takes care of 80% of the problem...") Sometimes I just need to get myself to START and then the rest will work out. I think figuring out my problem helps me better create a solution. I'm grateful for that. And go check out the author's website http://organizedhome.com/ if you need any organizational help. It's a great resource!