In a society that idolizes excellence and achievement, perfectionism can masquerade as an asset. We think we know better when we admire someone for being perfectionistic, that this means they simply pay attention to detail and pursue their ideals relentlessly, ultimately delivering superior performance. Yet, perfectionism may be overrated, and can compromise productivity, mental health and even happiness.
The Myth of Perfection
Perfectionists accept that only perfect is acceptable. It can be motivating to set such high standards, but perfectionism often causes:
Procrastination – It can feel daunting to start or finish a task when you are convinced that you will not meet the impossibly high standard you set for a task. Perfectionists often risk not starting or complete an assignment because they're waiting for the "perfect" moment to start or finish.
Burnout – The commitment to being faultless tends to burn energy and creativity, leaving either burnout or exhaustion in its wake.
Self-Criticism – Perfectionists can be their own worst critics. Anxiety, low self-esteem, and sometimes depression can result.
Missed Opportunities- Perfectionism may mean that deadlines are missed, opportunities are passed, or proposals are never made.