Perfectionism: the drive for high-standards and avoid failure at all costs. It’s been both my greatest strength and my biggest challenge at work. Over the years, I’ve realized that perfectionism itself isn’t necessarily the problem—it’s how we manage it that determines whether it helps or hinders us. Let me share my journey and how learning to manage perfectionism has had a profound impact on my mental health and productivity.

My Experience: High Standards and Setbacks

I’ve always set high standards for myself—whether as a university student, a professor, a speaker, a coach, or working in IT. I want everything to be perfect. But here’s the catch: that drive for perfection made it difficult to cope with setbacks. Instead of seeing them as learning opportunities, I saw them as failures. I’d be harsh on myself, spiraling into self-doubt. If something wasn’t perfect, I felt like I had completely missed the mark, which kept me stuck in a “perfection or nothing” mindset.

Looking back, I now realize that my perfectionism wasn’t the issue—it was my inability to manage it that caused unnecessary stress and burnout. Once I learned to manage it, everything changed.

What is Perfectionism?

If you’re wondering whether you’re caught in this cycle, here’s a quick refresher on what perfectionism is:

• Setting very high standards: Everything must be perfect, no matter what.
• Self-critical and fear of failure: Constantly beating yourself up for not meeting those high standards and worrying that mistakes will lead to criticism or disappointment.

It’s like constantly chasing an impossible ideal and feeling like you’re always falling short.

The Dark Side: Stress and Burnout

Perfectionism can be exhausting, especially when we push ourselves beyond healthy limits. The issue isn’t perfectionism itself but how we manage it. When we fail to leave room for failure, learning, and growth, we end up stuck in a constant cycle of stress. The pressure of perfectionism doesn’t allow us the chance to recover from setbacks or see them as part of the process.

Over time, pushing harder without breaks or boundaries leads to burnout. The key is managing perfectionism in a way that supports growth and well-being rather than draining our energy.

The Upsides of Perfectionism

When managed effectively, perfectionism can offer valuable benefits:

• Drive and ambition: Perfectionists are often highly determined, setting ambitious goals and achieving impressive results.
• Attention to detail: A focus on doing things just right can result in high-quality work.
• Strong work ethic: Perfectionists are often dedicated and responsible, taking ownership of their tasks.

The trick is managing these traits so that they work for you instead of against you.

Managing Perfectionism

So, how can you manage perfectionism if you recognize it in yourself? Here are some strategies that helped me:

1. Reevaluate your goals: Perfectionism can lead to impossible goals. Step back and assess whether your expectations are realistic. Sometimes, it’s okay to lower the bar.

2. Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Perfectionists often try to do everything themselves to avoid appearing weak, but asking for support can lighten the load and improve outcomes.

3. Be kind to yourself: Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Practice self-compassion—treat yourself like you would a friend who’s struggling.

4. Adopt a growth mindset: View mistakes as opportunities for growth, not signs of failure. It’s through setbacks that we learn and improve.

5. Give yourself the gift of “done”: Perfectionists often get stuck tweaking things endlessly. At some point, you need to say, “It’s done!” and move forward.

6. Prioritize your work: Not everything needs to be perfect. Focus on the important tasks and let go of perfection in areas that don’t require it.

7. Take breaks: Constant work leads to burnout. Recharge by taking time off to rest. Rest is just as essential as work.

Final Thoughts:

Perfectionism itself isn’t the problem—it’s how we manage it that makes all the difference. When managed well, perfectionism can help us achieve incredible things. But when mismanaged, it can lead to stress, burnout, and loss of joy. If you’re caught in the cycle, learning to manage perfectionism can make all the difference.

For more tips on managing perfectionism and avoiding burnout, check out my book, Burnout Be Gone: Healthy Habits. It’s filled with strategies to help you thrive without burning out.

Take care of yourself—and remember: Done is better than perfect.

#Perfectionism #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceMentalHealthf