So one way we protect ourselves against not being good enough is by striving for perfection.

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In anorexics, striving for perfection and conscientiousness are common non-pathological traits.

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"While we are striving for perfection in the way we deliver care, we know we fall short of that mark -- but patients can help us get better, " says Nancy Foster, AHA's vice president for quality and patient safety policy.

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"You're always striving for the ultimate perfection, " says Smith, 41, who works from his shop on the Isle of Man.

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