Are you never satisfied with your work? Do you beat yourself up when making a mistake? Can you never find the time to celebrate your success?

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s possible you have some degree of unhealthy perfectionism.

Unhealthy perfectionism or maladaptive perfectionism is an unrealistic or excessive attempt to achieve high or impossible goals or meet unrealistic expectations. Many times, it’s driven by our strong desire to accomplish something, but often, it’s driven by the fear of failure.

The more it continues and grows, the more likely it will prevent you from achieving your goals and believe it or not, this is one of the most common ways we get in our own way and don’t even realize it.

Why does unhealthy perfectionism prevent you from greater success?

It might make you feel sick before a presentation resulting in not being able to present the way you truly want to. It might make you believe you don’t deserve a promotion when you really do.

Unhealthy perfectionism creates:

  • Self-doubt
  • Lack of self-trust
  • High levels of stress and anxiety

Ultimately, it affects your belief in yourself and prevents you from bringing your best self and all your gifts forward.

How do you overcome unhealthy perfectionism?

1. Practice good enough

Practicing good enough doesn’t mean “slack off”. It means recognizing and acknowledging when your work has reached the point where continuous efforts simply won’t add any more value and being able to stop there.

2. Stop focusing on your mistakes and start practicing self-compassion and a growth mindset.

Focusing on your mistakes and engaging in self-criticism doesn’t help you achieve your goals. Instead, practice self-compassion and accept no one is, or will ever be, perfect. Be kind to yourself, accept and forgive your mistakes and view them as a learning, something that will absolutely make you better and propel you forward.

3. Do not define yourself by your accomplishments

Remember this, you are not only what you accomplish. There’s a lot more to all of us than just what we accomplish. Remember, it’s about who you are and how you show up – recognize and focus on this and you will ultimately achieve more.

Unhealthy perfectionism can be managed. And if this is something popping up for you, reach out to me at [email protected] and we’ll get a conversation started and help you break free from any unhealthy perfectionism so you can be and do more!