Ten Tips for Combating Perfectionism
Excerpted from The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook (Revised, Expanded, and Updated Edition) by Judy Galbraith, M.A., and Jim Delisle, Ph.D., 1996. Used with permission from Free Spirit Publishing Inc., Minneapolis, MN; 1-800-735-7323; www.freespirit.com. All rights reserved. Perfectionism can be a problem that may plague gifted children and adults alike. Although this character trait can be beneficial, if carried to the extreme, it can cause emotional problems that interfere with creativity, task completion, and positive self-esteem. If you find yourself, your child, or your students obsessed with the idea of being perfect, try following these ten tips. 1. Be average for a day. Allow yourself to be messy, late, incompleteŠimperfect. Then celebrate your success.
2. Get involved in activities that are not graded or judged-activities that focus on process, not product.
3. Take a risk. Sign up for a course with a reputation for being challenging. Start a conversation with someone you don't know. Do an assignment or study for a test without over doing it. Alter your morning routine. Start a day without a plan.
4. Give yourself permission to make at least three mistakes a day.
5. Stop using the word "should" in your self-talk. Remove "I have to" from your conversation.
6. Share a weakness or limitation with a friend. Recognize that he or she doesn't think any less of you as a result.
7. Acknowledge that you have expectations of yourself that might be too high, even unrealistic.
| 8. Savor your past accomplishments. Write about how good they made you feel.
9. Ask your friend to help you "cure" your perfectionism. Perhaps they can give you a sign or a word when they notice you are being a perfectionist.
10. Join the human race. It's less lonelywhen we accept our own and others' imperfections and feel part of life.
If you need more help combating your perfectionism, talk with your school counselor, psychologist, or social worker. Explain your situation and ask for suggestions. AAGC Mini-Grant
Application Information
AAGC will once again sponsor a "mini-grant" program for AAGC members. Two $250 mini-grants will be offered. Winners will be announced at the 2002 Summer AAGC Conference. Criteria
Any current AAGC member may submit a proposal. The following factors will be considered in evaluating the proposals: CreativityEfficient use of fundsBenefit to studentsIdeas that will have the most impactIdeas that can be replicatedIdeas that involve collaboration between the teachers of gifted and regular education. |
Guidelines
1. Projects should involve gifted students as much as possible.
2. Funds can be used to purchase equipment, but not as an end in itself. The equipment should be just one component of a well-planned project. 3. Incorporating matching funds and community resources is encouraged.
4. Activities that are not presently funded by school systems are encouraged.
5. Projects, which solve a long-standing problem in an unconventional way, are encouraged.
Use the following outline to write your proposal
1. Title
2. Description
3. Goals and Objectives
4. Schedule of Activities/Implementation
5. Evaluation
6. Replication
7. Budget
8. Sign and Date your proposal. List both your home and school address and phone number. Have your building principal sign your proposal.
Deadline: April 15, 2002
Mail proposals to: AAGC
7950 HWY 72 W #G196
Madison, AL 35758 |
