Nine signs your ambition may be damaging your health

When the desire to excel tips into perfectionism, your mental health can suffer.

Julie Hare and Euan Black

Jul 21, 2024 – 6.00pm

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Perfectionism is often portrayed as something to strive for, a positive trait that drives success at work, enviable physiques, tidy homes and clean fingernails. But experts say it can lead to poor mental health.

Netball star Caitlin Bassett says she was born a perfectionist. She recalls vigilantly policing her bedroom as a child so her sister could not come in and mess it up.

Julie Hare is the Education editor. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a writer, journalist and editor.

Euan Black is a work and careers reporter at The Australian Financial Review.