Perfectionism: 5 Things You Need to Know
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Imagine this.
Your boss has given you a stretch assignment. It includes creating a new concept and presenting it to the Board.
You know you’re qualified to help, and this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
But as you brainstorm options, you find yourself in analysis paralysis. You feel like you’re coming up short of the “breakthrough” ideas everyone must be expecting.
You might be caught in the perfectionist trap. The next three minutes are about you—and how to break free from it.
5 Things You Need to Know About Perfectionism
I.
Perfectionism is a Comparison Trap
Perfectionism thrives on comparison, but not just with others—often with an unrealistic ideal of our future self. Comparing yourself to others is a losing game because their circumstances, resources, and challenges are not yours. Success is measured by how far you've come, not by how perfect the destination looks.
💡Try this: Compare your progress today to where you were last month—not to where someone else is now. If that’s hard to do, put your daily metric for something you’re trying to improve on a physical calendar or tracker.
II.
The Right Thing Is YOUR Thing
Perfectionists often struggle with analysis paralysis because they’re seeking validation through others' approval. The most liberating thing is learning to trust your own judgment. What feels right to you is more valuable than meeting someone else’s impossible standard. Remember, authenticity trumps perfection every time.
💡Try this: Make a decision today without asking anyone for advice—trust your gut, even on small things.
III.
Perfectionism Undermines Relationships
Whether at work or in your personal life, the drive to be perfect sets unrealistic expectations for yourself and those around you. In romantic relationships, perfectionism can lead to unnecessary tension because you may demand an impossible standard of love and commitment from your partner. Genuine connections thrive on vulnerability, not faultlessness.
💡Try this: Share a mistake with a loved one today and laugh about it—embracing imperfection builds connection.
IV.
Perfectionism Isn’t About Helping—It’s About Control
Many perfectionists believe they are helping others by ensuring everything is done right, but in reality, it's often about maintaining control. When perfectionism governs your actions, you miss the bigger picture. The world benefits more from your contributions than your corrections. Focus on impact over precision.
💡Try this: Leave a task 80% done today and hand it off—watch how letting go actually speeds up progress.
V.
You’re Good Enough—Right Now
The ultimate truth about perfectionism is that it's a moving goalpost. You’ll never feel “good enough” if perfection is the aim. The human standard isn’t perfection—it’s growth, learning, and resilience. Shift your focus to progress and celebrate your efforts rather than criticizing yourself for not being flawless.
💡Try this: Write down three things you’ve accomplished this week—celebrate them without changing or adding a single word.
Love extra resources? Check out this video from a past Mastermind course where I guide you through identifying signs of perfectionism and its potential dangers.
If you want to vent, share tools, ask questions, or make comments, let’s get the conversation started below in the comments section!
Your coach,
Chris
P.S. ♻ Sharing is caring. Please consider forwarding this to a colleague or friend, if you found it useful. Your kindness could improve someone else’s world of work!
