What is the cost of your perfectionism?
Perfectionism is the enemy of opportunity, and in that light, it's also the enemy of success.
Being a perfectionist means you over-invest, all the time. Hardly perfect, huh?
Being a perfectionist means that people are missing out on your value. You're not helping people - because you're too busy creating 'perfect'. None of us like admitting that. But it's true.
It can be a bitter pill to swallow at times, but having to be the expert, have all the answers, cover all bases, have everything finished to an impossible standard - all before you even step up to the playing field - is exhausting and honestly, a waste of time, energy, headspace, stress and opportunity.
How do I know? Because I am one!
Being a perfectionist has held me back, more than I care to admit.
But here's the thing - I can change… I am changing, I have changed. I have a way to go (as any perfectionist well knows!) and it can be really tough changing the habits of a lifetime.
My approach - REFRAMING.
Switch from demanding perfection for every eventuality, to demanding what's right for the situation.
Focus on your goal or outcome
Focus on delivering value to your customers (internal and external customers).
Take time to understand what the outcome is, what good and great looks like, what who your customers are and what expectations they have – and then deliver that.
Don't over-invest.
Perfect your time & energy investment strategy.
This does not mean compromising quality or standards - but like any well-constructed, well-considered plan, it means understanding the outcome and determining the right amount of resource.
Channel your perfectionism into efficiency. The extra time pandering to your impossible perfectionist standards simply won't generate a return... neither will it lose you an opportunity.
Do what needs to be done, do it well – but don’t let it be at the expense of other priorities and value.
Demand what's right for the situation
Be a learner.
We know what we know, and there’s a vast amount that we don’t.
CEOs don’t know it all. Experts don’t know it all. What they do know is who to turn to then they need.
If we knew everything then we’d have a boring existence – it would mean we aren’t learning.
There’s joy in learning. There’s growth in learning. Seek it out!
If something pops up that you don't have an answer for - be honest, acknowledge the great question and say you'll get back to them with a response or insights… and then enjoy the experience of discovering something new.
Be satisfied.
…and I don’t mean settle for second best…. Be satisfied that what you’ve produced is great work that’s focussed on the needs of your customers.
And now to take my own advice… I could finesse this piece for hours, but I won’t.
I hope you’ve found some value in my thoughts, I’d love to hear yours!