Welcome, dear Monsters, to a discussion on perfectionism—the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal. While it may seem like a noble trait, perfectionism can have detrimental effects on our lives. In my own experience with the Bad Boss, I encountered firsthand the damaging consequences of perfectionism. Today, we’ll explore seven compelling reasons why we should break free from its grip and embrace a more empowering mindset.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition of perfectionism is the fact of liking to do things perfectly and not being satisfied with anything less. Do you understand the irony here, Monsters? Because perfect does not exist, perfectionism is chasing an ideal that is impossible to achieve. So why on earth would somebody want to be a perfectionist?
1. Perfectionism Costs You Time and Money
Let’s recall the frustrating scenario with the Bad Boss. He continuously changed and complicated projects, striving for an unattainable level of perfection. As a result, we wasted valuable time and financial resources, delaying the implementation of our projects. The pursuit of perfection became a hindrance rather than a virtue, negatively impacting both individuals and the organization as a whole.
2. Perfectionism Undermines Self-Esteem
My experience with the Bad Boss left me feeling inadequate and questioning my own abilities. Unlike the ink-soaked reports handed over by others, the Bad Boss withheld work and doubted my capabilities. This constant scrutiny and lack of trust eroded my self-esteem, creating a pervasive feeling of not being enough. It’s essential to recognize how perfectionism can undermine our self-worth and prevent us from realizing our true potential.
3. Perfectionism Feeds off Fear
Dear Monsters, let’s acknowledge that perfectionism often stems from fear—the fear of making mistakes, disappointing others, and ultimately failing. The Bad Boss’s pursuit of flawlessness was rooted in this paralyzing fear. However, we must remember that true growth and innovation come from embracing our imperfections and learning from our mistakes. By confronting our fears and challenging the notion of perfection, we can break free from its grip.
4. Perfectionism Doesn’t Normalize Failure
Upon reflection, I realized that the Bad Boss’s obsession with perfection was driven by a fear of failure. He hesitated to implement new procedures because he feared they wouldn’t meet our system’s requirements. This fear of failure prevented him from taking timely action. In reality, failure is a natural part of growth and success. Embracing this truth allows us to learn, adapt, and thrive in the face of challenges.
5. Perfectionism Embodies a Fixed Mindset
The Bad Boss’s perfectionism was intertwined with a fixed mindset. He believed in an inherent superiority and inferiority among individuals. His fancy degrees, extensive networks, and eloquent speech were meant to underscore his supposed superiority. In contrast, embracing a growth mindset fosters collaboration and values the diverse contributions of the team. By recognizing the limitations of a fixed mindset, we can cultivate a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
6. Perfectionism Kills Teamwork
One of the most detrimental effects of perfectionism is its impact on teamwork. The Bad Boss’s ego-driven pursuit of personal recognition undermined collaboration and team dynamics. He refused to delegate tasks, believing that only he could achieve the desired level of perfection. This approach hindered the collective success of the team and prevented the development of a cohesive and supportive work environment.
7. Perfectionism Feeds Your Ego
Let’s be honest with ourselves, dear Monsters. Perfectionism often goes hand in hand with vanity and ego. The Bad Boss believed he was superior and felt uncomfortable delegating work to others. This ego-driven mindset hindered growth, stifled effective delegation, and strained relationships within the team. Breaking free from perfectionism requires us to let go of our egos and embrace collaboration and humility.
The time is now to think about your own behavioral patterns. Regardless if you are Gen Z just starting off a new career, or a well-versed millennial leader. Do you fail to meet deadlines because of your unattainable standards for what that work should look like? Would you say that the reasons you are holding back deadlines are material? Do they add value to the end user? Be candid. Think clearly about your motivation behind it. Were you afraid, or were you simply being cautious? Can you discover a pattern?
No worries, dear Monsters, we are all friends here and you can be honest with yourself. It is okay to have a splash of fixed mindset in you. Everybody does. As a leader of the new age, it is your duty to spot it and take action to change it.
Drawing from my personal experience with the Bad Boss, I urge you, dear Monsters, to confront the influence of perfectionism in your lives. Embracing a growth-oriented mindset allows us to cultivate self-esteem, foster collaboration, and create a supportive work environment. Let’s learn from our mistakes, embrace our imperfections, and challenge the unrealistic ideals of perfection. Together, we can break free from the chains of perfectionism and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth.
Join the conversation: Share your own experiences with perfectionism and how you have overcome its limitations. Let’s support and inspire each other to break free from the shackles of perfectionism and embrace a more fulfilling, growth-oriented mindset.
