--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think perfectionism is based on the…" description: "\"“I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08a/anne-lamott-188_faith_i-think-perfectionism-is-based-on-the-ob_2117333.png" --- # I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief… ![“I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die.” quote by Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08a/anne-lamott-188_faith_i-think-perfectionism-is-based-on-the-ob_2117333.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08a/anne-lamott-188_faith_i-think-perfectionism-is-based-on-the-ob_2117333.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/08a/anne-lamott-188_faith_i-think-perfectionism-is-based-on-the-ob_2117333.png) > ““I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die.”” [Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-lamott/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Suggests perfectionism stems from a fear of mortality, using meticulous control as a way to avoid existential dread. **In simple terms:** Perfectionism is a fear of death expressed through control. Key Takeaway Accept imperfection to reduce anxiety. Themes mortality anxiety control perfectionism Mood thoughtful somber Type philosophical reflective When to use this quote - creative work - personal growth - healthcare decisions Key Concepts existentialism psychology self‑acceptance Questions to Reflect On - What does perfectionism hide about your deeper fears? - Can letting go improve well‑being? A Different Perspective Obsessive control can lead to burnout. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Perfectionism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfectionism/) ## Related quotes > [“I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-lamott/i-think-perfectionism-is-based-on-the-obsessive-belief-that-if-you/) [Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-lamott/) > [“Anne Lamott wrote, “Perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sammy-rhodes/anne-lamott-wrote-perfectionism-is-based-on-the-obsessive-belief-that/) Sammy Rhodes > [Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. 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