When Good Enough Is Never Enough

Contemporary American culture pressures people to be the ``best,'' whether in business, sports, marriage, sex or parenting. While this pressure can inspire achievement, it can also lead to perfectionism and its associated problems: low self-esteem, the need to control, possessiveness, fear of failure and psychosomatic illness. In striving to be perfect, people may actually set themselves up to fail. These are the theories of clinical psychologist Hendlin ( The Discriminating Mind ), who here offers helpful advice to readers about how to attain more realistic and balanced perceptions of their potential and how to determine what is actually ``good enough.'' Hendlin advocates the pursuit of excellence rather than perfection. This practical book includes a self-quiz and a discussion of the cultural, psychological and religious roots of the perfection ideal and its manifestations in work, play and relationships. There are also chapters on how to live with a perfectionist and in an ``imperfect world.'' (Nov.)