Perfectionism can sap emotional energy, cause difficulties in relationships, and interfere with performance. It is not about pushing one’s limits or pursuing excellence; its about the desire to be perfect, the fear of being imperfect, and the emotional conviction that personal acceptability requires a struggle to meet certain conditions. Mistakes are signs of personal defects that threaten acceptance. Although perfectionism is not a part of giftedness, gifted kids can be vulnerable in certain ways. Find out what perfectionism is, where it comes from, and how to encourage excellence without seeming to require perfection.