Perfectionism, Or How To Sabotage Your Productivity
Before the communists came to power in 1946, my great-grandmother owned a fashion house. If there was one person who knew exactly how to fix any garment, it was her. My grandma could create a beautiful piece of clothing out of an old piece of fabric, no matter the shape or design.
As a teenager, it was my great-grandmother that taught me how to sew (ultimately, I even made my own wedding dress!). Being young and preoccupied, however, I was often fixated on other things and I looked to cut corners wherever I could. But, this didnโt fly with her. I remember my great-grandmother coming up to me and telling me, “either do it well or don’t even bother starting. Your work is your legacy.”
She never said it had to be perfect. She knew when to stop. Yet, whatever she made looked exactly right. She didn’t strive for perfection but rather aimed to achieve excellence. My great-grandmother took pride in what she did and was motivated to leave a positive impact on the world, not to seek the approval of others.
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Perfectionism vs Excellence
Years later, I still think about that conversation. What is perfection? What is excellence? What is good enough? How do we know when to stop before it becomes a burden and a deterrent?
Within my coaching practice, many of my clients struggle with perfectionism. Some are hesitant to try new things and most see imperfection as immediately conducive to failure.
I just finished reading Brenรฉ Brown‘s new book “Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience.” (keep an eye out for my upcoming book review!) She explores many of the emotions and experiences that define us. One of them is perfectionism.
After observing my clients’ experiences and reading the chapter on perfectionism, I set out on a journey to learn more about how such tendencies impact our success and happiness.
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What Is Perfectionism And What Isnโt?
Perfection is a flawless state where everything is exactly right. It can also be the action of making something perfect. Since perfect things are without fault or flaw, perfection is a perfect condition โ everything is 100% great.
โ vocabulary.com/dictionary
Many of us grew up hearing statements such as โpractice makes perfectโ, or โstrive for perfection to succeed.โ
Despite the successes I’ve had, without being a perfectionist, I’ve always felt that I need to change, to align more with perfectionism, in order to truly achieve.
Many people think of perfectionism as striving to be your best, but it is not about self-improvement; it’s about earning approval and acceptance.
โ Brenรฉ Brown
Here are the main pros and cons of perfectionism. Do you recognize some of them in your own behavior? Maybe all? Are they benefiting your life, or becoming a roadblock?
PROS
- Perfectionists have higher levels of motivation
- Perfectionists have a high level of ambition
- Perfectionists are prepared to work harder
CONS
- Perfectionism is a bad habit. It can be controlled and changed.
- Perfectionism can lead to mental health issues.
- Perfectionists show higher levels of stress, burnout, and anxiety.
- Perfectionism lowers the level of overall productivity and decisiveness.
- Perfectionism builds distance from other people, due to the higher expectations one sets on others.
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Conclusions
Based on my personal observations and recent research, Iโve concluded that although perfectionism may have some positive effects on the individual, the negative effect is much greater. For example, you may be prepared to work harder, but this can cost you your mental health due to high anxiety levels and burnout.
If a person can learn to channel their tendency for perfection into a strive for excellence, it will positively impact not only their day-to-day productivity but also their long-term physical and mental health.
Are you struggling with perfectionism and limiting beliefs? How do you cope with it? What strategies do you use to change the narrative? If you would like to explore your reality and unlock your potential, please get in touch with me. I would love to partner with you and help you transform your life.
I offer a free 1-hour discovery session for new clients with no strings attached. Letโs work together to get you on the road to becoming the best version of yourself.
I am here for you!
