9 ways to be sure perfection won’t make you less successful.

Our culture is enamored with success and perfection is often celebrated as an essential attribute of high achievers.

We worship accomplishments and exceptional talent at the expense of celebrating balance and the ability to relax.

Productivity is the ultimate elixir for getting things done and we neglect personal health and relationships as we strive for professional excellence.

Research from the University of British Columbia indicates a plethora of mental health issues associated with perfectionism, including depression.

To be more efficient at controlling perfectionism, we should adopt a more realistic mindset about excellent work.?It starts by being practical and focusing on “optimal” work.

“The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.” - George Orwell

Here are 9 warning signs we might be a perfectionist and need to pull back:

Recognition

It starts by realizing we are working too hard, and the cost is affecting other critical aspects of our life.?Using hard work as an excuse to deteriorate physically, mentally, and personally isn’t conducive to enhancing life satisfaction.?Appreciating the delicate balance between working less and being more efficient is key to curtailing perfectionism.????

Defensive

People that wrestle with perfectionism highly regard the opinion of others.?Approval is fundamental to maintaining self-esteem and criticism isn’t easily accepted. ?If you feel incredibly defensive, you might be a perfectionist.?Learning to take criticism in stride can help improve our relationship with success and encourage better work habits.

Critical

Ironically, perfectionist love to criticize other people.?Despite their inability to accept negative feedback, they are eager to measure themselves against anyone else that challenges their superiority.?The reason is simple, they have high standards and hold everything else to the same unrealistic expectations.??

Procrastinate

Perfection and fear of failure are interrelated.?This deadly combination often leads to procrastination.?Perfectionists procrastinate because small tasks seem benign and unworthy of exceptional work.?However, getting started is paramount to success and small steps matter.?Writing a book requires writing each day before your masterpiece is complete.

"We can choose to be perfect and admired or to be real and loved." - Glennon Doyle Melton??

Guilt

Feelings of guilt are common with perfectionist.?They often feel like they are falling short of massive expectations that are impossible to achieve.?Their standards are so high they are unrealistic to maintain, and impossible for other people to achieve.?The result, guilt.?This incessant supply of guilt leads to negative self-talk that can be highly destructive.?Slow down.?Journal your thoughts and begin appreciating how to regulate this negative tendency.?

Under attack?

Many perfectionists believe their work is so essential that any mistakes will result in a relentless attack.?Maintaining this belief often leads to disappointment and lack of resolve.?We become demoralized by minor setbacks and fail to develop the perseverance and tenacity required for success.

Delight in failures

Perfectionists often find satisfaction in the failure of others.?They can’t resist celebrating someone’s failure because it provides a temporary boast of satisfaction.?We feel better about our self when we recognize other people’s human fallibility.?The problem, it often leads to guilt.?

Afraid

Strangely, perfectionists are often afraid of risk. Their diligent work and attention to detail creates a steady stream of ideas that never get implemented.?Why??They are afraid to fail because failure would be catastrophic.?The result, many perfectionists don’t take calculated risks.?The only way to improve, start taking more calculated risks!??

Rejection

Perfectionists fear rejection.?Approval is so important it becomes debilitating. As a result, perfectionist resist taking any risk that may invite rejection or criticism.?Their standards and expectations are so high they fear becoming the subject of their own critical judgement.?

“When things are perfect, that's when you need to worry most.” - Drew Barrymore

Sum it up

Ever struggle with perfectionism??Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.??Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.?Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.?Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.?Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!