How to overcome perfectionism at work to have a healthier mindset
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 5:49 am
Have you ever spent hours polishing a presentation, only to feel like it's not perfect? Or maybe you're stressed about taking on new projects because you're worried you won't meet the (probably impossible) standards you've set for yourself. If so, you may struggle with perfectionism at work.
Perfectionism is like having a nagging little voice inside your head telling you, "You're not good enough." 86% of people > believe perfectionist expectations affect their work and mental health.
A study by the Hardin Group and the University of Northern Colorado
Research from the International Journal of Stress Management found that perfectionists are more prone to anxiety, procrastination, and time avoidance behavior.
But the good news? You don't have to get stuck in that cycle. We'll show you how to overcome perfectionism at work with the right tools and mindset.
What is perfectionism?
Perfectionism is more than just wanting albania number data to do your best—it's the relentless drive to set extremely high expectations and avoid mistakes at all costs, which often leads to self-criticism and stress.
While setting high standards for yourself can contribute to success in life, perfectionism takes it a step further and makes you feel like nothing is ever “good enough.” Setting unrealistic standards for yourself can weigh you down and make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.
Types of perfectionism
Personal perfectionism versus social perfectionism
Personal perfectionism, or self-oriented perfectionism, comes from within and is driven by the desire to meet impossibly high standards. If you're constantly striving to do things "right," even at the expense of your well-being, that's personal perfectionism at play.
Social perfectionism, on the other hand, is external. It comes from the immense pressure of having to meet the expectations of other people, whether it's your boss, your coworkers, or society at large. You feel judged or compared, and this pressure can lead to burnout and anxiety. Both forms are equally exhausting, but recognizing where the pressure is coming from can help you begin to address it.
High demands versus unrealistic expectations
There's nothing wrong with setting high standards—it helps you strive and achieve great things. But when those standards turn into unrealistic expectations, that's when perfectionism starts to become detrimental. High standards are motivating and attainable, while unrealistic expectations are impossible to achieve, leaving you disappointed or stuck in a cycle of endless revisions.
Example:
Striving to deliver high-quality work within a given time frame is a healthy norm. But constantly thinking, “This has to be flawless or it will be a failure,” is an unrealistic expectation that can lead to procrastination or stress.
Perfectionism is like having a nagging little voice inside your head telling you, "You're not good enough." 86% of people > believe perfectionist expectations affect their work and mental health.
A study by the Hardin Group and the University of Northern Colorado
Research from the International Journal of Stress Management found that perfectionists are more prone to anxiety, procrastination, and time avoidance behavior.
But the good news? You don't have to get stuck in that cycle. We'll show you how to overcome perfectionism at work with the right tools and mindset.
What is perfectionism?
Perfectionism is more than just wanting albania number data to do your best—it's the relentless drive to set extremely high expectations and avoid mistakes at all costs, which often leads to self-criticism and stress.
While setting high standards for yourself can contribute to success in life, perfectionism takes it a step further and makes you feel like nothing is ever “good enough.” Setting unrealistic standards for yourself can weigh you down and make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.
Types of perfectionism
Personal perfectionism versus social perfectionism
Personal perfectionism, or self-oriented perfectionism, comes from within and is driven by the desire to meet impossibly high standards. If you're constantly striving to do things "right," even at the expense of your well-being, that's personal perfectionism at play.
Social perfectionism, on the other hand, is external. It comes from the immense pressure of having to meet the expectations of other people, whether it's your boss, your coworkers, or society at large. You feel judged or compared, and this pressure can lead to burnout and anxiety. Both forms are equally exhausting, but recognizing where the pressure is coming from can help you begin to address it.
High demands versus unrealistic expectations
There's nothing wrong with setting high standards—it helps you strive and achieve great things. But when those standards turn into unrealistic expectations, that's when perfectionism starts to become detrimental. High standards are motivating and attainable, while unrealistic expectations are impossible to achieve, leaving you disappointed or stuck in a cycle of endless revisions.
Example:
Striving to deliver high-quality work within a given time frame is a healthy norm. But constantly thinking, “This has to be flawless or it will be a failure,” is an unrealistic expectation that can lead to procrastination or stress.