We all want to do great work, but there comes a time when perfectionism is the enemy of progress – and the enemy of mental health too. And women, if you think it’s helping you, your work or your family, you’re mistaken.
That’s 63% more than men. Research shows it goes hand in hand with lower self-esteem and confidence and higher performance anxiety.
Perfectionism extends from an early age into our academic years and then into the workplace and even into adult roles like mothering.
It’s a desire for approval that warps us out of shape.
The need to be perfect is damaging us.
3 Reasons to let go of Perfectionism
1. The Enemy of Progress
We may think that the last 20% of the effort is what makes all the difference, but in a world where speed of progress is key, we are more effective if we leave it at ‘good’, rather than ‘great’ and move on to the next task instead.
The desire for that last little bit is often about our pride, our security, our need to impress and be accepted, not so much about working effectively and getting things done.
If we stop finessing we could gain an EXTRA DAY A WEEK. Think what you could do with that time?
2. Avoidance Strategy
Some of my clients are recovering perfectionists.
What surprised them was realising that by choosing to finesse, they were avoiding their actual goals.
It’s a form of procrastination that mascarades as high-value work.
Perfectionism helps us ‘legitimately’ avoid what is difficult but what would help us grow.
Perfectionism ensures we never have time to do what scares us. And as such, instead of guaranteeing we are working at the top of our game, it can ensure we never are.
3. Disempowering Others
Delegating should be an empowering process for all parties. Everyone gets to work at the top of their games – to stretch, learn, achieve and be recognised for their contribution.
Ineffective delegation and perfectionism make it a controlling, disempowering process that kills the initiative, growth and responsibility of your team members.
In its extreme form, it’s micromanaging and results in institutionalising your team which increases dissatisfaction and churn.
And all because you wanted things done right.
Effective delegation ensures processes of control are in place, but puts the responsibility firmly in the hands of the delegatee.
3 Top Tips For Parting Ways With Perfectionism
- Come to terms with what need it is serving in you and do some work on this
- Be honest about what you’re avoiding doing instead and make it a priority
- Hone your delegation skills so you can feel safe and empower your team (I run a workshop on this is you’re interested)
Let me know how you get on!
