Are You a Perfectionist?

How This Little Quirk Could Be Holding You Back

Are you a perfectionist? Many perfectionists believe that managing everything perfectly gives them an advantage. Unfortunately, taking this little quirk to the extreme can actually turn you upside-down, making it difficult to run your business, and your life, effectively.

Rob Wollard, author of “Life Planning: Conquering Perfectionism” states, “I believe this admonition about perfectionism applies to all aspects of life – business included. People who tend to set extremely high standards and are dissatisfied with anything less than perfect are difficult to be around and horrible to work for. It’s particularly bad if you work for yourself and YOU’RE the perfectionist!”

If you find yourself stressed by your own perfectionist tendencies than you need to ease up and let some things go. Here’s a quick guide to channeling that perfectionist energy more efficiently:

Determine what’s motivating you

You may be surprised at what’s really driving your need to be perfect. Are you trying to please yourself or someone else? Often perfectionists developed a need in their childhood years to please their parents and believed being a perfectionist will help them accomplish this; unfortunately many carry this need with them long after they leave home. It’s important that you work to please yourself. Also, recognize when you’re motivated by the desire to impress those around you or keep up with the Joneses.

Choose new, healthier measures of success

If you’re driven by wealth or fame, you may want to revise your measures of success so they include healthier measures that are certain to help you feel better about yourself and your personal life. Consider evaluating your relationships, the way you spend your personal time, client satisfaction, or the quality of services you offer. Any of these could help you direct your focus on more fulfilling measures.

Lighten up

Most perfectionists are uptight and stressed. If that describes you then it’s time to lighten up and enjoy your life more. A great way to eliminate anxiety is to laugh; look for opportunities to release those endorphins that will get you smiling, and hopefully, belly-laughing. You’ll feel healthier and happier.

Also take the time to participate in activities that energize and inspire you. You’ll find that enjoying your personal time will make you a better business person.

Watch what you say to yourself

Negative self-talk is often what inspires perfectionists to drive themselves to death trying to be perfect. Watch what you’re saying to yourself and repeat positive affirmations that will drive those defeatist comments from your mind.

Learn how to take criticism better

Once you learn to drive those self-critical comments from your mind you find yourself better equipped to take criticism from others. Often what you initially thought was criticism was really a constructive suggestion intended to help rather than hinder your work. As you try to achieve a healthier perspective you’ll find yourself better equipped to manage your business.

Recognize that overcoming perfectionism is a process rather than an event

“Overcome perfectionism” isn’t something you can schedule in your day planner and check off before you leave the office. It’s something that you continually have to work on in order to lead a more balanced life. Congratulate yourself when you make progress and don’t beat yourself up when you find that you’ve slipped. Take a deep breath and move forward.

References
Wollard, Rob. “Life Planning: Conquering Perfectionism.” StartupNation.com

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