Perfectionism: strength or weakness?
I led an interviewing seminar once and one of the question each attendant had to answer was, “What is your weakness?”
About 70% of people said their weakness was being a perfectionist with pride.
I’m sure they had read somewhere that being a perfectionist was a “good” weakness to have because 1) it show that you put great pride into your work 2) it implies that the company can expect great things from you.
But truth be told, perfectionism is not a good thing.
Being a perfectionist is based on the irrational assumption that you can do something perfectly. The thing is… You’re not perfect and no one is capable of being perfect. Therefore, your misguided attempt to be perfect will have costly consequences.
In today’s Craft Talk, I share with you the different types of perfectionist and tips for resetting this dangerous mindset. There is also a free downloadable workbook to help you get your perfectionism in check.
My Challenge To You
What type of perfectionist resonates with you? And what’s one way you can overcome it? Let me know in the comment section below.
Interesting.
Thanks for the great post.
my perfectionism was a gift and a curse in school. i got a 4.0 but my anxiety was off the charts!
Hey Saegan. I can relate. I was the same way in grad school. I maintained a 4.0 but had anxiety attacks that landed me in the ER. When I started my doctoral program I made a conscious effort to make a B to relive myself from the standards of having a 4.0. In the end, it’s just a number. It doesn’t define how awesome we are or the greatest we are capable of.