We all want to be good at what we do. But sometimes the goal of excellence goes too far… and becomes perfection. Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. I definitely think (and know from personal experience) that the pursuit of “perfection” can be a motivating force. But it can also lead to perfection paralysis: a condition in which the fear of not being perfect hinders our ability to get things done.
Sounds familiar?
I have fallen victim to this phenomenon more than a few times. That’s why I wanted to share some practical strategies to overcome this obstacle.
Understanding perfection paralysis
Perfection paralysis occurs when the search for a flawless result hinders progress. This can manifest itself in a number of ways:
- Delay: Waiting for the “perfect” moment or circumstances to start something.
- Overplanning: Getting caught up in the small details, leading to delays and indecision. (I often call this procrasti planning!)
- Fear of failure: The realization that perfection is unattainable can lead to avoiding important work and new challenges.
Why perfectionism can be paralyzing
At its core, perfectionism is rooted in the fear of failure or judgment. These fears can be especially impactful in the professional world, where we often have extreme pressure to perform and potentially high levels of visibility. However, the pursuit of perfection often results in:
- Reduced productivity: Spending too much time perfecting small details.
- Increased anxiety: The pressure leads to extra stress and increases the risk of burnout.
- Limited growth: Avoiding potential failures means missing out on learning opportunities!
Strategies to Overcome Perfection Paralysis
- Set realistic goals: I like to say, “Perfection is the direction, but progress is the goal.” This helps appease my inner perfectionist while keeping me grounded in reality. Celebrate small wins and progress along the way, instead of focusing solely on the end result.
- Embrace imperfection: Look, we all know that mistakes are part of growth. This is difficult to accept in the workplace. But no one (except you!) expects you to be perfect. Excellence often comes from trial and error wrong is an inherent part of that process. Your imperfect work may be more valuable than the flawless work done.
- Break things into smaller steps: Looking at a big task or project can be overwhelming and can kick your perfectionism into high gear. Breaking things down into manageable chunks makes it feel less intimidating and more achievable.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and journaling, can help you stay in the present and reduce the anxiety associated with perfectionism. Sometimes I write things down and realize I’m being ridiculous! Once my fears are on paper, I find my mind is free to focus on the task at hand.
- Search feedback: Regular feedback (from trusted colleagues and leaders) can provide perspective and help you understand when you may be aiming unreasonably high. I literally had a boss say to me, “Stop doing that! It’s good enough!” Sometimes ‘good enough’ is really all you need.
- Limit time on tasks: If you have a tendency (like me) to over-brush on certain things, setting time limits can be helpful.
- Earlier this week I shared one last personal tip on LinkedIn. If you missed it, check it out here.
Overcoming Perfection Paralysis is about shifting the focus from flawless execution to progress and continuous growth. Remember that perfection is subjective! And usually inaccessible. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress, and open yourself up to new learning and career opportunities.
