What is perfectionism and why is it not so “perfect”?
From a psychological perspective, perfectionism can be defined as the tendency to establish excessively high standards for oneself, accompanied by a critical self -assessment and constant fear of error (Flett & Hewitt, 2002). Although there are more adaptive forms of perfectionism, such as the search for ambitious achievements with flexibility, the most common in labor contexts is to find its maladaptive form: that which leads us to postpone tasks for fear of not making them “well enough”, which forces us to review a project again and again delaying its delivery, which pushes us to avoid assuming challenges for fear of failure.
This type of perfectionism not only affects emotional well -being (associating anxiety, stress and burnout), but also directly harms productivity. The paradox is clear: the more we seek to do something perfect, the less we do it.
Psychology research shows that those who operate under excessively high standards often experience constant internal pressure, fear of being wrong and an excessively critical evaluation of their performance. This combination is linked to high levels of Anticipatory anxietysince each task represents a potential threat to self -image or social assessment. In addition, the Mental Rumiation (Turn around what is missing, what is not “up to it”, or what could fail) consume cognitive energy, reducing the ability to concentrate and increasing fatigue.
At the workplace, this employer usually derives in three frequent consequences:
- Procrastination for fear of error: Perfectionism often does not translate into action but in postponement. If a task cannot be done “perfect”, it is avoided. And the more it is postponed, the greater the accumulated pressure, which aggravates the discomfort and increases the risk of not fulfilling deadlines and commitments.
- Inefficient time investment: Perfectionism usually leads to excessively reviewing, looking for unnecessary details or redesign deliveries that were already functional. This generates a little effective time management: more resources are spent on those necessary in low impact tasks and energy is subtracted from other priority areas.
- Avoiding challenges for fear of not paying 100%: In contexts where initiative, adaptability and innovation are valued, perfectionism can stop decision making or active participation. Many perfectionists do not allow them to try something new if they are not sure to be able to do it impeccably, which limits their professional growth.
How to identify if perfectionism is braking your productivity?
Some frequent signals:
- It is hard for you to finish a job, although it is already correct.
- You postpone the beginning of important tasks because you feel that you still don’t have everything “as you should.”
- Repetitively check what you produce, even when it is not necessary.
- You feel that everything must be “excellent” to be able to share, show it or deliver it.
- It is hard for you to delegate because nobody would do it “as good as you.”
How do you get out of this trap? Practical strategies to advance
Combating perfectionism does not imply resigning yourself to doing things “bad”, but also changing the focus towards functional, enough and sustainable. Let’s look at some strategies that you can implement today:
1. Replace perfection with effectiveness
Ask yourself: What does this task need to meet its goal? If the result is already useful and functional, it may be ready to surrender.
2. I defined clear completion criteria
I established, before starting, what means “finished” in the case of that particular task. This will help you avoid infinite and unnecessary review.
3. Implement the 80% rule
Many times, an 80% job is more than enough to advance. Training to deliver beta versions, check in motion and adjust on the march.
4. Be empathetic with yourself.
Perfectionism can be driven by fear of external judgment. Remember that erring does not make you less professional, it makes you human, and that all the people you have around at work (even those you see as referents), have erred more than once, even if you have not heard.
5. Separate your personal value from your results.
You are not your presentation, or your report, or your project, you are much more than that. In case of making mistakes, the error is in something you did but not in you. Learning not to make mistakes as personal failures is key to progress.
6. Celebrate progress, not just the final result.
Make your advances visible, even if you have not yet reached the “ideal” product. This is going to motivate you to reinforce the action. Do not look only where you have to arrive but also where you were before starting and where you are today.
When perfectionism takes control, we become less efficient, less flexible and more vulnerable to exhaustion. Recognizing that maladaptive perfectionism is a trap, and not a virtue, is the first step to recover focus, well -being and effectiveness. It is not about lowering the rod or resigning to mediocrity, but about building a more sustainable, human and strategic working way. Sometimes, advancing with enough is what allows to grow solidity. Because at work, and in life, who does not win everything perfect, but who learns to move forward, even when the perfect is not yet possible.
Contact data:
Instagram: @Constanzahoffman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/constanzahoffman/
Mail: [email protected]
by contentnoticias
