Are You Paralyzed by Perfectionism?

It’s OK to want to pursue excellence, but how does Perfectionism impact your performance.

Almost everyone pursues perfection — doing the best job you can, setting goals, and working hard to reach them, maintaining high standards. But Perfectionism isn’t about any of this. Perfectionism is a long, maddening drive down a never-ending road for flawlessness; it provides no rest stops for mistakes, personal limitations, or the changing of minds.

Perfectionism can cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt; it can cripple self-esteem, stifle creativity, and put a stumbling block in the way of intimate friendships and love relationships. Ultimately, it can create or aggravate illnesses such as eating disorders, manic-depressive mood disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance abuse.

Everybody has some “built-in” perfectionism, especially in our achievement-oriented, competitive culture. How many of the statements below, feel like you?

• I never do anything halfway; it’s all or nothing for me—every time.
• People who do things halfway make me angry or disgust me.
• I believe there’s a certain way to do things, and they should always be done that way.
• I get angry or defensive when I make mistakes. I hate to make them.
• I often procrastinate on starting projects. I seldom meet deadlines. Or if I do, I kill myself meeting them.
• I feel humiliated when things aren’t perfect.
• If I can’t do something well, I won’t do it. Admitting I’m a beginner isn’t an option for me.
• People say I expect too much of myself or of them.
• In my family, you could never completely measure up to expectations.
• I’m hard on myself when I lose, even if it’s only a friendly game or contest.
• I often withdraw from others and group activities.
• I don’t think work should be fun or pleasurable.
• Even when I accomplish something, I feel let down or empty.
• I criticize myself and others excessively.
• I like to be in control; if I can’t be in control, then I won’t participate.
• No matter how much I have done, there’s always more I could do.
• I don’t delegate often, and when I do, I always double-check to make sure the job is done right. It never is.
• I believe it is possible to do something perfectly, and if I keep at it, I can do it perfectly.
• Forgetting and forgiving is not something I do easily or well.

How many did you say “yes” to?

There is a difference between excellence and perfection. Striving to be good is excellence; trying to be flawless is Perfectionism. As a leader, your need to be perfect could impact how your team performs and their willingness to seek guidance. If you’re concerned about your perfectionist behavior, don’t hesitate to call, ask me anything, I’m here to help you get UnSTUCK.