Trying to be the best we can be is often a double-edged sword.
On one hand, striving for excellence can push us to grow, achieve, and produce work we’re proud of. On the other hand, when the drive for “perfect” takes over, it can lead to procrastination, burnout, and a constant sense that nothing is ever good enough.
For high-achievers, creatives, students, and professionals, perfectionism can quietly sabotage both success and well-being. And perhaps “Done is better than perfect,” as Sheryl Sandberg says, is something to embrace from time to time.
But how do you know you’re a perfectionist? And how do you know if it’s even a problem? Well, let’s get into it.
What is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism is the persistent belief that anything less than flawless is failure. It often shows up as setting impossibly high standards, tying your self-worth to your achievements, and feeling intense pressure to “get it right” every time.
And yes, while aiming high can be healthy, perfectionism takes it a step further. And this type of high standard often creates constant stress and a fear of falling short.
But how do you know if you’re a perfectionist? Some common signs include:
- All-or-nothing thinking
- An extreme fear of mistakes
- Procrastination disguised as productivity
- Harsh self-criticism
- Chronic dissatisfaction (even with an achievement or good grades, for example)
Perfectionism often feels like it’s helping you succeed, when in reality, it can quietly hold you back, increase stress, and even limit your potential.
The Hidden Costs of Perfectionism
Perfectionism often disguises itself as ambition.
For many, it can feel like a strength—pushing you to aim higher, work harder, and deliver better results. But beneath the surface, it comes with hidden costs that quietly erode your well-being, productivity, and creativity. Here’s how…
It creates the illusion of productivity.
Spending hours perfecting details can feel satisfying, but research indicates that perfectionists, or those who report having perfectionist traits, often experience decreased well-being.
While it may seem like perfectionism pushes people to achieve more, studies show the opposite: over time, perfectionists actually accomplish less.
One study on psychology professors found that those with stronger self-oriented perfectionist tendencies published fewer papers, received fewer citations, and produced less impactful work compared to their peers, even after controlling for traits like conscientiousness.
In other words, the drive to make something flawless often backfires. Instead of helping you perform better, perfectionism can slow you down, increase stress, and prevent you from moving forward with confidence.
It fuels anxiety and self-doubt.
Perfectionism sets impossible standards, which often leads to overthinking, fear of failure, and harsh self-criticism.
Over time, this inner pressure feeds imposter syndrome—the belief that your successes don’t truly count and that you’ll eventually be “found out.”
In turn, many perfectionists experience lower confidence and a heightened sense of inadequacy, even when they’re excelling.
Interestingly, this makes sense if we take a closer look at the origins of perfectionism, such as high parental expectations or the perception of high parental criticism. Early on, perfectionists often learn that what they do is simply not “good enough,” which feeds near-impossible high standards. Thus, a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety continues.
Related Article: Five Types of Imposter Syndrome: Do Any of These Sound Familiar to You?
It damages overall health and well-being.
Surprisingly, perfectionism goes beyond mere psychological stress; it can also take a physical toll.
The constant pressure to meet impossibly high standards often leads to poor sleep, persistent fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, this heightened stress response wears down your body and your ability to stay sharp.
Perfectionism also fuels procrastination—not out of laziness, but from fear of falling short.
Avoiding tasks to escape potential failure creates a ripple effect:
- deadlines pile up
- stress intensifies
- performance suffers
Left unchecked, this cycle often leads to exhaustion and burnout, leaving you with less energy and motivation to tackle the goals you care about most.
Related Article: The 6 Healthy Habits I Used to Beat Procrastination: You Can Do it Too!
Overcoming Perfectionism
Let’s make this clear: Overcoming perfectionism isn’t about lowering your standards or giving up on doing your best—it’s about finding a healthier, more sustainable way to succeed. By shifting focus from flawless results to steady progress, you can reduce stress, improve well-being, and create space for growth.
Start By Redefining Success and Failure
One of the first steps in overcoming perfectionism is rethinking what success really means.
Instead of measuring your worth by flawless results, try focusing on growth, learning, and progress over time. Success doesn’t have to mean “perfect”—it can mean showing up, putting in effort, and moving forward, even when the outcome isn’t exactly as planned.
Likewise, failure doesn’t have to be a sign you’re not good enough; it can be feedback, helping you adjust and improve.
In fact, you can even take the stance that there isn’t such a thing as “failure.” Failure is merely a learning lesson or a hurdle that is getting you to the “right” and eventual “successful” outcome.
Build Your Tolerance for “Good Enough”
Perfectionists often struggle to stop working on something until every detail feels right—but learning to accept “good enough” can be freeing.
Progress, not perfection, is what leads to long-term success. By setting realistic goals, celebrating small wins, and letting go of the need to control every outcome, you create space for creativity, confidence, and balance in your work and life.
Up Next…
While the above will get those thoughts flowing and potentially get you thinking about your mindset, specific actions can further help you lean away from perfectionism and into your real strengths.
In Part 2, we’ll explore practical strategies, science-backed tools, and simple daily shifts to help you step away from perfectionism and lean into your real strengths with more balance and confidence.
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