How Perfectionists Can Avoid Burnout at Work
Using the old “I’m a perfectionist” example of a personal strength and weakness in interviews has become somewhat cliche. However, there is truth to this overused answer. There are both positive and negative aspects to perfectionism. On the positive side, you are driven to be the best you can be at all times. You strive for excellence in all areas of your life, and won’t accept less than your best effort. These are admirable qualities in a person and read like a laundry list of qualities in an ideal job candidate.
However, perfectionism is ultimately more than having high expectations for yourself. Being a true perfectionist often means that you have unrealistic, unattainable high standards and always find fault with your work. Like...always. You are nonstop critical of yourself to the point that you have trouble letting go and finishing things. If this sounds like you, here are a few ways to take a step back.
Think Bigger & Wider
Turns out that when you’re too focused on your own perfection, you miss out on other things that are going on. A great way to grow at work is to find someone who has knowledge and skills you want, and learn from them. When you’re so focused inward you tend to miss out on external opportunities to improve yourself.
A colleague recently noticed that a coworker always seemed to know the latest in industry trends, was competent, and had cool articles to share. When asked how she got this info, she shared that she begins each day by reading or learning something related to her job. This is a great way to ease into her day and expand her knowledge. This perception of her talents was clearly shared in the office, as she was quickly promoted. Learn from the habits of successful people by releasing some of your inward focus.
Avoid Bringing Work Home
When perfectionism is all-consuming, you work long and hard to make things perfect, only to miss out on fun and time with friends and family. By obsessing about being perfect at work, we convince ourselves that it’s okay to miss birthday parties, meetups with friends, and much needed rest.
It is ok to Let go
You determine what perfect is, and you work extra hours, feeling drained and stressed, to get there. The sad part is, it’s not even helping you the way you think it might be. After a review of research, Harvard Business Review concluded that, “performance and perfectionism were not related to each other —perfectionists are not better or worse performers than non-perfectionists” (Harvard Business Review).
Accept yourself
The all or nothing talk associated with being a perfectionist stifles creativity and grit. If everything has to be perfect all the time, and something isn’t turning out as planned, why even keep working? This is defeatist thinking that destroys persistence and problem-solving. Also, basing your worth on being a flawless person with ridiculously high standards destroys your confidence. Don’t be a victim of negative self-talk. Accept that humans are flawed and mistakes are how we learn best after all.
Start small
Baby steps are the way to go here. Instead of making a sudden drastic change that may freak you out, plan not to be perfect in small ways.
Send a colleague an email without proofreading. (wild!)
Stop working on a presentation or project when it’s just short of ideal. (The reality is, it is probably already perfect as everyone else sees it!)
Set a time limit and stop working when the timer goes off. No excuses.
Research the Pomodoro Technique and Kaizen to discover ways to improve efficiency and cut down on work time.
Done is better than perfect
This should be your new mantra. It’s far better to turn in work on time, having given it your best reasonable effort, than to waste time and energy on minor details or miss a deadline. Drafts are a thing! Just knowing you have the option may take some of the pressure off.
If nothing else, realize that people around you are imperfect all the time. Being perfect doesn’t actually help your performance, so let it go and get your life back.
Becky Holder is a content contributor for JUGs and works in education. In her free time she looks for the next best cup of coffee and great food. Follow along @rebeccalizholder on Instagram.