Perfectionism can be a difficult trait to manage, especially when trying to succeed in the workplace. It can easily lead to burnout, reducing productivity and preventing us from reaching our goals. Despite what we may think, the pursuit of better does not always lead to success. More often than not it can hinder us from achieving our goals.
This article will explore the implications of perfectionism at work and discuss ways to overcome it in order to achieve lasting success.
Signs of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While it motivates you to do your best work, it can also lead to self-doubt and anxiety.
One sign of perfectionism is being overly critical of oneself or others. This can manifest as constantly second-guessing decisions, obsessing over small details or mistakes, and setting impossibly high standards that are impossible to meet.
Another sign is difficulty delegating tasks or accepting help from colleagues because of a fear that they won’t do things “perfectly.” In order to overcome these tendencies, it’s important to reframe the mindset around what constitutes success in the workplace.
The Cost of Perfectionism
When perfectionism becomes an unhealthy habit, it can lead to missed deadlines, burnout, decreased productivity, increased stress and, ultimately, can have a negative impact on mental health.
Research has found that perfectionists tend to set unrealistic goals for themselves and those around them, leading to frustration when these goals are not met. This can result in a negative work environment where team members feel demotivated or resentful towards each other.
Striving for perfection also means spending more time on tasks than necessary, which affects efficiency and may result in missed deadlines or delayed projects.
Perfectionism at work can also lead to a fear of failure that prevents individuals from taking risks or pursuing new opportunities.
Developing Creative Solutions
If you find yourself struggling with perfectionism at work, don’t worry – there are ways to overcome it. Developing creative solutions for banishing perfectionism can be powerful tools for combating this common struggle. Here are a few:
Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Reframing techniques can be the perfect antidote to perfectionism at work. When we strive for perfection, we set ourselves up for failure. Not only is it impossible to achieve, but it also creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Reframing our mindset can help us shift our focus from perfection to progress.
Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, reframing techniques encourage us to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. By practicing self-compassion, rejecting self–destructive criticism, and accepting that imperfection is a natural part of the process, opportunities for growth and learning can be embraced.
By embracing imperfection as a natural part of an evolutionary process, we free ourselves from the pressure of needing to be perfect in the moment. This allows us to feel more confident in taking risks and trying new things.
Reject Unrealistic Expectations
Set realistic goals for yourself and others. Break down larger projects into smaller tasks that are achievable within a specific timeframe. This will help you focus on making progress rather than being perfect all the time.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Celebrating progress, not perfection, helps to keep us motivated and focused on our goals. Achieving perfection may never be possible, but celebrating each step towards it can bring joy and satisfaction that will propel your journey. Celebrate your successes, big and small!
Final Words: Manage Perfectionism for Success
We all strive for success in our lives, but perfectionism can often stand in the way of achieving it.
Managing perfectionism is an important step to achieving success. By acknowledging the potential pitfalls of perfectionism and taking steps to tackle them, it is possible to achieve your goals. The first step is recognizing that perfection isn’t always achievable and beginning to look at positive aspects rather than focusing on negatives.
It is important to practice self-awareness and understand when to continue the fight for excellence and when to let go. Don’t forget that it’s okay to make mistakes, ask for help, and accept imperfection – these are all signs of strength!
Learn more about how Erin Schnarr tackled imposter syndrome and overcame insecurities stemming from unexpected layoffs, previous business ventures, and a history of being underestimated; all on our “And So, She Left” entrepreneurship podcast.
Throughout her 25-year career in the corporate tech world at Bell, Reader’s Digest, and LexisNexis, Erin faced the glass ceiling head-on, watching as male colleagues surpassed her in both pay and position despite her unwavering dedication and hard work.
She recounts her decision to pivot away from the corporate world to co-found CompenSage, a game-changing venture that empowers organizations to achieve pay equity. Erin also delves into how her Indigenous heritage (a surprising discovery) became a source of strength and inspiration, the importance of seeking enjoyable work, creating your own luck, and following your passion to find the job you truly want.
