Tutorial Learning Centre

Time Management: Perfectionism

Perfectionism usually interferes with, rather than contributes to, success. Perfectionists seldom enjoy their tasks and rarely feel satisfied because they continually push themselves to achieve impossibly high standards. Even if they get some temporary satisfaction, perfectionists usually don't accomplish as much as non-perfectionists because they spend so much time trying to get things just right. If you are highly stressed, feel like giving up, or find yourself avoiding necessary tasks, use this as a warning signal. Ask yourself if you are taking on too much or setting unrealistically high standards.

This isn't to say that you shouldn't strive to do well. Setting realistic goals based on what you want rather than on what you perceive others expect of you is good. Healthy achievers take pleasure in pursuing their goal rather than feeling stressed that they might not achieve perfection. Perfectionists can change by doing the following:

Set realistic goals.
Set limits on how much time you will spend on a project - and stick to these limits. (e.g., Perfectionists will often spend twice the time on projects as non-perfectionists; the extra time spent usually provides little gain).
Judge yourself by who you are, not by what you accomplish.
Lighten up by scheduling in free time for fun and relaxation every day. (This actually makes you more creative and productive).
Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that could happen if I don't do this perfectly or if I fail?"
Look at what you have accomplished in the past and break tasks into small, achievable goals based on your past performance.
Decide on several things that are really important to you and put your effort into those goals. Lower your standards on other tasks.
Remember that people learn by making mistakes. If you're not taking risks because you think you might fail, you are probably missing out on a lot of growth and learning.
Stop chasing the impossible dream. No one is, or ever will be, perfect.