By Benedict Carey, The New York Times -- Several recent studies stand as a warning against taking the platitudes of achievement too seriously. The new research focuses on a familiar type, perfectionists, who panic or blow a fuse when things don’t turn out just so.

Do you believe that if you are perfect you can control how others feel about you? This article will help you understand your addiction to perfection and how to heal it.

"I'm a maniacal perfectionist. And if I weren't, I wouldn't have this company. It's the best rap!" That is a quote by Martha Stewart, who goes on to say, "Nobody's going to fault me for that. I have proven that being a perfectionist can be profitable and admirable.."