Perfectionism is Ruining your Productivity
- Eesha Bellad
- Jun 20, 2021
- 2 min read
In being human, your brain is wired to work. Work; “operate or function, especially properly or effectively.” Key word, effectively. One of the most powerful factors that tarnishes our efficacy is perfectionism. On the contrary, I see perfectionism as an illusion. Nothing can satisfy the definition of “perfect”. Rather, the actions we take to get there is our kryptonite. The destination doesn’t exist, and the reality is we are striving for a fictional result.
So, what does perfectionism look like in our routine of work? Waiting for the “perfect” time to start, doubting your work or neglecting any submission of performance. Perfectionism holds a sundry of drawbacks in the execution of a task. Here are a few of the most impactful ways…
Stifles creativity
Evident perfectionism, compromises creativity and replaces it for a non-existent variable. When you focus on achieving the perfect environment, you divert your attention away from the task at hand. For instance, in starting an innovative project, a perfectionist will set up the right and utmost ideal situation to work. This is impossible to fabricate, since the idea of "perfect" will never satisfy you. However, searching and inputting effort in doing so deprives creative freedoms.
Disguised procrastination
Perfectionism can come in the form of procrastination, without being so obvious. It will often decept itself to be the “smarter” decision, when in reality it is hindering your success. For example, someone trying to chase the “ideal” output and following the steps of a “perfectionist” will provide excuses that delay a task. This can be through the rejection of starting when the timing isn’t right, or stopping because the situation doesn’t satisfy you. None of these scenarios hold any benefit in regards to quality output, and in fact they obstruct progress and growth.
How can one beat perfectionism?
Just start
While it can’t be solved with a sudden change in heart, the desire and active effort towards improvement will be the perfect place to begin. Simply put, combating perfectionism can be done with the mentality of “just starting”. Letting loose and allowing yourself to be liberated in work can improve creativeness and reduce wasting time on striving for something that doesn’t exist.
Catch up with the series:
Want to read further into the world of productivity, read our other newsletter titled "Optimizing our productivity" where I uncover how letting go of the past and focusing on the future saves us time and improves our results.
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