The Price of Perfectionism
Many of us suffer through life with a degree of perfectionism that holds us back, contributes to imposter syndrome, and keeps us from reaching our true potential. Early in my corporate media career, I suffered from it. Still, I’ve always been a bit more achievement-oriented - doing things quickly, making decisions quickly, and perhaps not sweating the small stuff quite enough, if I'm truthful. I managed and reported to perfectionists over the years and now coach quite a few of them. I ask my perfectionist clients a few key questions:
What is perfectionism costing them? What would “good enough” enable? How is perfectionism holding you back from making decisions? How does perfectionism impact their team, project, or family? I love moving my clients away from perfectionism to “good enough”.
In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott writes:
“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it.”
Leave it to Anne Lamott to sum up what perfectionism potentially costs us so bluntly! Please get in touch with me at www.crestconsultllc.com to schedule a time to discuss what perfectionism might be costing you. #leadershipcoaching #peoplecultureleaders #priceofperfectionism
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5 个月Great article, Jennifer. I would just add that one of the biggest costs of perfectionism is never getting started.
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5 个月Great post. You have heard me say "perfection can lead to bankruptcy!"
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5 个月Such an important reminder and message for a recovering perfectionist. Thank you!