Do you ever feel like your best just isn’t good enough?
Or maybe you find yourself constantly striving for an unattainable level of perfection? If so, you might be a perfectionist. While aiming high is admirable, perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. It can drive you to achieve great things, but it can also lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout. Here are some signs you might need to loosen up a little.
1. You have an all-or-nothing mindset.
Source: Unsplash If it’s not perfect, it’s a failure. This is the mantra of many perfectionists. You might find it difficult to accept anything less than flawless, even in situations where a “good enough” result would be perfectly acceptable. This black-and-white thinking can lead to feelings of disappointment and inadequacy, even when you’ve achieved a lot.
2. You procrastinate because you’re afraid of not doing something perfectly.
Starting a task can be daunting when you’re afraid of not meeting your own impossibly high standards. This fear can lead to procrastination, as you wait for the “perfect” time or conditions to begin. However, this often leads to a cycle of stress and missed deadlines, as the pressure to perform perfectly mounts.
3. You’re highly critical of yourself and everyone else.
Perfectionists tend to have a critical inner voice that constantly points out flaws and imperfections. This self-criticism can extend to other people, as you might find yourself judging their work or efforts harshly. This can lead to strained relationships and feelings of isolation, as people feel uncomfortable around your constant critiques.
4. You have trouble letting go of mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes, but perfectionists tend to dwell on them, replaying them over and over in their minds. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt. It’s important to learn from your mistakes, but it’s equally important to forgive yourself and move on.
5. You’re always striving for more.
Perfectionists are never satisfied with the status quo. Even when you achieve a goal, you might immediately set your sights on an even bigger one. This constant striving can be motivating, but it can also be exhausting. It’s important to celebrate your accomplishments and take time to appreciate what you’ve achieved, rather than always focusing on what’s next.
6. You have difficulty delegating tasks.
Perfectionists often believe that they’re the only ones who can do something right. This can lead to a reluctance to delegate tasks, as you fear that people won’t meet your high standards. However, delegating is an essential skill for both personal and professional growth. It frees up your time and allows people to develop their skills and contribute to the team.
7. You have high expectations for yourself and everyone around you.
Source: Unsplash Perfectionists set the bar high, not only for themselves, but also for those around them. This can create a lot of pressure and stress, as you and other people strive to meet your expectations. While having high expectations can be motivating, it’s important to be realistic and understanding. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and it’s okay to not be perfect at everything.
8. You’re well-organised and detail-oriented.
Source: Unsplash Perfectionists often have a strong need for order and control. This can manifest in meticulous organisation, attention to detail, and a focus on following rules and procedures. While these traits can be beneficial in many situations, they can also become a hindrance if they’re taken to the extreme. It’s important to find a balance between organisation and flexibility, and to be able to let go of the small details when necessary.
9. You have trouble finishing projects.
Source: Unsplash Starting a project is one thing, but finishing it can be a whole other challenge for perfectionists. You might find yourself constantly tweaking and refining your work, never feeling like it’s quite good enough to be finished. This can lead to missed deadlines and unfinished projects, as you get caught up in the pursuit of perfection.
10. You fear failure.
Source: Unsplash The fear of failure can be a major driving force for perfectionists. You might avoid taking risks or trying new things because you’re afraid of not succeeding. This fear can hold you back from reaching your full potential and can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
11. You equate your self-worth with your achievements.
Perfectionists often tie their self-worth to their accomplishments. If you’re not achieving at a high level, you might feel like you’re not good enough. This can create a lot of pressure and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
12. You have trouble relaxing and enjoying yourself.
Source: Unsplash Perfectionists are often so focused on achieving their goals that they forget to relax and enjoy the present moment. You might find it difficult to unwind and let go of your worries, even when you’re not working or studying. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
13. You have difficulty accepting compliments.
Source: Unsplash When someone compliments you on your work or achievements, do you downplay it or deflect the praise? Perfectionists often have a hard time accepting compliments, as they believe they could have done better. This can be frustrating for people, as it seems like you’re never satisfied with your accomplishments.
14. You compare yourself to anyone and everyone else.
Source: Unsplash Perfectionists often compare themselves to other people, focusing on their own shortcomings and other people’s strengths. This can lead to feelings of envy, jealousy, and inadequacy. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique path and that comparing yourself to anyone else is not a healthy way to measure your own success.
15. You’re always seeking approval from other people.
Perfectionists often crave validation from outside sources. You might seek praise and recognition for your work or achievements, and feel disappointed or hurt if you don’t receive it. It’s important to develop your own sense of self-worth and not rely on other people’s approval to feel good about yourself.
16. You have trouble accepting help.
Perfectionists often believe that they need to do everything themselves in order to maintain control and ensure that things are done perfectly. This can lead to a reluctance to ask for help, even when you need it. However, accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It allows you to share the load and learn from people.
17. You have difficulty setting realistic goals.
Perfectionists often set unrealistic goals for themselves, striving for perfection in every aspect of their lives. This can lead to frustration and disappointment when you inevitably fall short. It’s important to set goals that are challenging but achievable, and to be willing to adjust your expectations as needed.
