Perfectionism - Friend or Foe?

Perfectionism - Friend or Foe?

 

If you're reading this article, chances are, you've identified yourself as being a perfectionist, or you know someone who is a perfectionist. When I speak to businesses and professional groups about time management, I identify perfectionism as one of the big "time wasters" and "energy drainers." I look out at the audience and see heads nodding up and down. In reality, many professionals and business owners experience an on-going love-hate relationship with perfectionism. Perfectionism, like most traits, can be a strength, but if not managed properly, it also can be a liability.

 

If you are a perfectionist, you probably believe that perfectionism contributes to your success. There is some truth to that. You've probably been acknowledged professionally for your excellent work and your willingness to "go the extra mile." Over the years, your performance evaluations may be sprinkled with adjectives such as "exemplary," "excellent," "consistent high quality," etc. You've received awards and accolades for your work. When supervisors, colleagues or clients want something done right, they send the work to you. You've gotten a lot of business because of your reputation for excellence.

 

Although you may realize that perfectionism is costing you a lot of time, you may be reluctant to let go of your high standards. When you look around, you see lots of "evidence" to support the belief that perfectionism has contributed to your success. And, honestly, how would you know differently? You probably haven't tried doing work that is "less than stellar" to seeIf you're reading this article, chances are, you've identified yourself as being a perfectionist, or you know someone who is a perfectionist. When I speak to businesses and professional groups about time management, I identify perfectionism as one of the big "time wasters" and "energy drainers." I look out at the audience and see heads nodding up and down. In reality, many professionals and business owners experience an on-going love-hate relationship with perfectionism. Perfectionism, like most traits, can be a strength, but if not managed properly, it also can be a liability.

 

If you are a perfectionist, you probably believe that perfectionism contributes to your success. There is some truth to that. You've probably been acknowledged professionally for your excellent work and your willingness to "go the extra mile." Over the years, your performance evaluations may be sprinkled with adjectives such as "exemplary," "excellent," "consistent high quality," etc. You've received awards and accolades for your work. When supervisors, colleagues or clients want something done right, they send the work to you. You've gotten a lot of business because of your reputation for excellence.

 

Although you may realize that perfectionism is costing you a lot of time, you may be reluctant to let go of your high standards. When you look around, you see lots of "evidence" to support the belief that perfectionism has contributed to your success. And, honestly, how would you know differently? You probably haven't tried doing work that is "less than stellar" to see how it goes over, at least not on purpose. When you have done less than stellar work, you've probably been so wrapped up in your own guilt, you did not notice how others actually react to your work. Time and again, my coaching clients who struggle with perfectionism tell me they realize their standards are so high, that when they actually lower their standards, others still perceive their work as being excellent!

 

Not surprisingly, many successful professionals and small business owners have capitalized on perfectionism. But then you hit the "brick wall," getting bogged down in all the work to be done, putting in long hours trying to get it all done and becoming increasingly resentful of demands placed on you. In reality, perfectionism can get you far in life, but it can only get you so far.

 

In a recent time management workshop, a participant asked a great question: "How do you know when perfectionism has become a problem for you?"

 

Here are some signs:

 

 

Ö         Consistently putting in long days at the office or taking work home with you

Ö         Reluctance to delegate tasks, believing no one will do it as well as you

Ö         Feeling increasingly resentful of demands placed on you by clients, customers, colleagues, supervisors, friends or family members

Ö         Procrastinating to begin projects

Ö         Projects that drag on and on

Ö         Checking and rechecking your work before submitting it (yes, this includes checking and rechecking email before hitting the "send" button!)

Ö         Colleagues or supervisees grumbling to one another that you are difficult to work with, or that your expectations are unreasonable

Ö         Colleagues telling you that you are working much harder than necessary

 

If you struggle with perfectionism, consider that you've probably spent hundreds, maybe even thousands, of hours getting tasks and projects "just right." That's time that you could be spending doing something else you love to do.

 

If you recognize the value of perfectionism in your work, but at the same time, realize that you are spending excessive time trying to complete tasks "perfectly," it's time to work smarter, not harder!