Perfectionism is often presented as a virtue in interviews or on resumes. We think this is the key to high quality and success. However, in practice striving for ideal often becomes the very barrier that prevents you from moving forward. This is not just a desire to do well, but a debilitating anxiety that blocks real actions.
Illusion of control and paralysis of action
The main problem of a perfectionist is fear of starting. When the bar is set sky high even before the start, any task seems overwhelming. The brain perceives a potential mistake as a disaster. As a result, a defense mechanism is activated, which we are used to calling laziness, although in fact it is perfectionist paralysis. Instead of doing “good enough” and getting results, a person often chooses to do nothing, waiting for ideal conditions that never come.
Why done is better than perfect
In the pursuit of perfection, the most important resource is lost – time. While a perfectionist is polishing one detail, others manage to launch three imperfect projects, receive feedback and improve them.
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Decrease in productivity. Endless edits eat up energy that could be directed to new tasks.
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Emotional burnout. Lack of satisfaction from the result depletes the psyche, since the inner critic is never satisfied.
Criticism as a source of pain
For a perfectionist, the result of work is inseparable from his personality. Any criticism is perceived not as a reason to improve the project, but as confirmation of one’s own incompetence. This creates enormous tension that interferes with creativity and free thinking.
Breaking free from perfectionism starts with simply accepting the right to make mistakes. A healthy approach is to value progress above an unattainable standard. Gradually moving forward always brings more fruit than endless preparation for the perfect start.
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