Perfectionism: balancing your quality

Perfectionism is a quality many knowledge workers are proud of. You work with dedication, feel responsible, and want things to be right—for your clients, colleagues, and yourself. But that same strength can go too far: you keep refining a report until it is ’truly’ perfect, say yes too often to extra tasks, or feel guilty if something isn’t perfectly finished. You notice it drains your energy, sometimes pressures your work enjoyment, and you rarely feel truly satisfied. How do you make perfectionism help you instead of holding you back?

What exactly is perfectionism?

Perfectionism is the tendency to want to do everything as well as possible, often based on the idea that making mistakes is not allowed or that you are only good enough if the result is flawless. It is a strength: it ensures quality, reliability, and involvement. But perfectionism can also become a block if you are never satisfied, too harsh on yourself and others, or lose too much time and energy on details that actually don’t matter.

Recognize the perfectionist in yourself

Do you recognize yourself in these points?

• You are afraid to make mistakes or not meet expectations.
• You postpone tasks because you don’t want to make mistakes.
• You worry a lot about your performance.
• You find it difficult to delegate work to others.
• You are rarely truly satisfied with your work, even if others are.
  If you recognize several of these points, it’s good to take a critical look at your perfectionism.

Why is it so difficult to let go?

Perfectionism is often deeply rooted. It can stem from high expectations, a strong urge to be appreciated, or experiences where mistakes were harshly punished. The culture at your work can also fuel perfectionism: if mistakes are not discussable or there is always an expectation of ‘even better,’ it is hard to settle for ‘good enough.’

The power of good enough

The idea that everything must be perfect is a myth. In practice, ‘good enough’ is often more than sufficient. The last 10% of the work often costs 90% of your energy, while the result barely improves. So ask yourself:
“Does polishing longer really add value?”
“Will success be greater if I keep going?”
“Will things go wrong if I finish now?”
Focus on added value and impact, not on details nobody sees or misses.

Practical tips to keep perfectionism healthy

• Set realistic goals and priorities
  Make goals achievable and break large tasks into small steps. Set a deadline per step and be satisfied when you reach the intended result.
  
• Embrace mistakes and learn from them
  See mistakes as learning moments. After a mistake, write down what you learned and keep a ‘mistake list’ of situations where something wasn’t perfect but eventually turned out fine.
  
• Check your standard with others
  Ask colleagues or clients for feedback along the way. Often they find your work good enough even if you still doubt. This prevents unnecessary polishing and gives insight into what really matters.
  
• Put things in perspective and be kind to yourself
  Work is important but not the most important thing. You are not your work. Practice self-compassion: speak to yourself as you would to a friend. Celebrate small successes and don’t be too hard on yourself if something isn’t perfect.
  
• Focus on progress, not perfection
  Regularly reflect on what you have learned or achieved, however small. This helps shift your attention from the end result to personal growth and development.
  
• Set limits on your time and energy
  Decide beforehand how much time you spend on a task and stick to it. Use a timer or promise yourself: “After one hour it is good enough and I will send it.” This prevents endless working and saves time for other things.
  
• Dare to ask for help
  You don’t have to do it alone. Involve colleagues, ask for a review, or collaborate. Others often bring a fresh perspective and help you put things into perspective. Accept their input without immediately wanting to correct.
  
• Make perfectionism discussable in your team
  Discuss with colleagues how you deal with mistakes, workload, and expectations. Agree on what ‘good enough’ is and how you can help each other keep perfectionism in check.

When is it time to ask for help?

If perfectionism structurally pressures your work enjoyment, health, or private life, it is wise to seek help. A coach, career advisor, or psychologist can help break patterns and develop healthier habits.

In conclusion

Perfectionism is a wonderful quality as long as you stay in control. By consciously choosing ‘good enough,’ asking for feedback, guarding your time, being kind to yourself, and collaborating, you keep your energy and work pleasure balanced. This way, you remain not only a hard worker but also a healthy and satisfied professional.

Good luck!

—

Are you interested in having your team work smarter, but not harder? A workshop or training Enjoy your Productivity gives you a unique opportunity to reflect on the way the team organizes their work, both on an individual level and on a team level.   

General information in Dutch may be found here. Please contact me for a tailormade workshop or training where both materials and instructions are in English.

If you’d benefit from personal attention for your own challenges, a coaching programme Enjoy your Productivity may be a smart choice. General information in Dutch may be found here. Please contact me for a first online meeting to get to know each other better. Naturally, this is without any obligation and free of charge.