Transitions for life, People in Motion


The Perfect Mistake – the impact of perfection on peak performance


Mistake? So what’s wrong with perfect? Absolutely nothing. Striving for success can be highly motivating. The problem lies in accepting nothing less than perfect and expending super-human efforts to achieve it. Perfectionists are often the last people to see themselves as perfect – actually they feel just the opposite. Many of us have this challenge to varying degrees. Not sure if you qualify? Try this self-test and see how many of these statements ring true for you. __ I work more hours than most of the people around me __ I strive to exceed expectations in everything I do __ My to-do list is taller than I am __ I can always think of better ways to do things __ I frequently procrastinate while deciding how to best start a project __ I am often frustrated with my end result __ I tend to over-estimate what I can get done in a given period of time __ I often re-do my own work __ I often re-do the work of others __ I know I create more work for myself than I need to __ I take criticism very personally __ I avoid delegating tasks that I know I could do better myself __ I set my goals so high that I rarely achieve them __ I sometimes miss deadlines while making final improvements __ I find it difficult to be satisfied with my work The painful pursuit of perfection: Perfectionists live in a never-ending cycle of setting unrealistic goals, making super-human efforts to achieve them, then experiencing supreme disappointment in themselves when their goals aren’t met. In this black-and-white model, anything less than perfect can be seen as failure. They may be unable to be satisfied with their achievements, even significant ones. There is often an inside war going on between the need to stop the madness and pride in the Perfectionist label. They are usually misunderstood by friends and co-workers, who feel they should, “Just stop doing this to yourself!”. It can be difficult for a perfectionist to enjoy personal pursuits. Their inner pressure to excel can extend to sports and hobbies, making it difficult to relax and unwind. Perfectionists desire some peace and tranquility in their lives, but can't allow themselves to have it! The impact of perfection on personal performance: The drive to perfection runs on the fuel of stress. This constant surge of adrenaline can cause emotional burnout and potential health problems. It can take a perfectionist twice as long as co-workers to finish a project to their own high standards. Because perfectionists keep trying until they "get things right”, they often have problems with missed deadlines, procrastination, and low productivity. Some purposefully over-commit to prove to themselves and others that they can get the job done. Perfectionists in leadership positions tend to hire like-minded professionals, creating an organization with unrealistic standards, competition and a high degree of tension.		"The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves nothing." ~ Eugene Delacroix

Tips for becoming powerfully imperfect:


Acknowledge that perfection is the vision, not the goal. Know that striving for total perfection actually takes you further from it. Notice the many ways that perfectionism is not working for you. Make a choice for improved performance, rather than unobtainable flawlessness. Be selective with perfection. Avoid prioritizing all activities as critical to success. Learn the art of High/Med/Low prioritization and focus your best efforts on the Highs and give the Lows purposefully imperfect attention. Place limits on your efforts. Predefine the amount of time you choose to apply to a project, the hours you choose to work each day, the amount of research you choose to perform. When you predefined limit has been reached, STOP. Find ways to measure yourself differently and realistically. Get input from others on appropriate standards for your position and performance. Allow yourself to recognize achievement at each step along the way. Accept recognition from others, rather than discounting it. Cultivate stress-relieving techniques and learn to release internal pressure and relax. The pursuit of perfection can be positively motivating or suck the life right out of you. If you find yourself making the Perfect Mistake, accept the challenge to become powerfully imperfect!		"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." ~ Aristotle

Resources


Here are some great online articles on the challenging topic of perfection: The Paradox of Perfectionism The Impossible Dream Perfectionism in the Workplace Breaking the cycle of perfectionism		Are you ready for more? Get a coach!