10 Effective Ways To Recognise (And Overcome) Perfectionism

Today’s post is about spotting perfectionism in our ourselves and our team, and some proven ways of overcoming it.

As leaders it is important we are all aware of the pitfalls which can be associated with this personality trait, so we can help not only ourselves, but also others within our teams (and organisation), particularly if we sense it may be the cause of stress, procrastination, low production rates, and ultimately holding people back.

Here are my 10 top indicators for recognising perfectionism – in yourself and your team.

1. ‘Over worrying’ about mistakes and unable to enjoy the successes.
2. Regretting past mistakes, or things which did not turn out as anticipated.
3. Intensely competitive and can not abide doing a ‘poorer job’ than others.
4. Wanting to do something “just right” –  or not at all.
5. Demanding perfection from other people.
6. Failing to ask for help due to the belief it may be perceived as a flaw or weakness.
7. Persisting at a task long after other people have quit.
8. Feeling a strong desire to correct other people when they are wrong.
9. Being highly aware of other peoples’ demands and expectations.
10. Being very self-conscious about making mistakes in front of other people.

Source: The BBC News Online

If you identify with most of the above statements, your perfectionistic tendencies might just be holding you back.

The good news is there are many ways to overcome perfectionism.  Author Brene Brown talks about three in particular, in her book The Gifts of Imperfection:

• To acknowledge our vulnerabilities to the universal experiences of shame, judgement and blame;
• Develop shame resilience;
• And, practice self-compassion.

For me, one of the most successful ways of reducing my perfectionistic streak has been practicing self-awareness.

When perfectionistic self-talk arises, I notice it and then replace it with my new mantra – “pretty good is good enough.”

Being kinder to myself, recognising mistakes are the best part of learning, and staying aware of when I am taking a perfectionistic approach, has been immensely helpful in letting go of perfectionism.

It is still a constant struggle, but I am happy to announce I am finally letting go of trying to have the perfectly tidy house, with the perfect body, and being the perfect parent, and coach with a perfect blog (and don’t forget the perfect home baking – just like Martha).

I love this quote by Author Anne Lamont on perfectionism and I have it on my office wall, for moments when my mate perfectionism comes out to play.

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.” 
― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

In my office with Brené Brown’s book The Gifts of Imperfection, and my wall quote by Anne Lamott, to help me in overcoming my perfectionism when it attempts to hold me back.

Are you, or any of your team members perfectionists?

Do you sense perfectionism may be hampering you from reaching your full potential?

What other techiniques do you find effective in overcoming perfectionism?