Wanting everything to be just right can be a good thing — it means you care and that you take pride in yourself and your work.
However, there’s a huge difference between giving everything your best shot and expecting perfection at every turn. The latter is not only impossible, it’s utterly exhausting and can wreak havoc on your relationships, career, and even your mental and physical health. If any of these things sound familiar to you, your perfectionism isn’t doing you any favours in life. In fact, it’s actually working against you.
1. You struggle to start tasks unless everything feels perfect.
Perfectionism can make starting anything feel impossible if the circumstances aren’t just right. Whether it’s waiting for inspiration to strike or the fear of making a mistake, this mindset can leave you stuck before you even begin. The truth is, nothing will ever feel completely perfect, and waiting for that moment only adds unnecessary pressure. Progress comes from action, not ideal conditions, and learning to embrace imperfection can help you move forward with more ease.
2. You procrastinate to avoid failure.
Ironically, perfectionism and procrastination often go hand in hand. When you’re terrified of falling short, putting off the task entirely can feel safer than risking a less-than-perfect result. It’s a way of avoiding failure without actually addressing the fear behind it. This bad habit can create a cycle of stress, as deadlines creep closer and the pressure to deliver something flawless intensifies. Breaking this cycle means recognising that doing something “good enough” is far better than not doing it at all.
3. You have trouble celebrating your successes.
Even when you achieve something amazing, perfectionism can make it hard to feel satisfied. Instead of enjoying the moment, you focus on what you could have done better or compare yourself to other people who seem to have done more. Constantly striving for an unreachable standard robs you of joy and prevents you from appreciating how far you’ve come. Taking time to celebrate your wins—no matter how small—can help you reframe success as progress, not perfection.
4. You’re constantly revising your work.
Do you find yourself endlessly tweaking and revising, even after something is “done”? Perfectionism can make it hard to let go, as you convince yourself there’s always room for improvement. But at some point, the effort starts to outweigh the benefit. In fact, it often leads to burnout, as you spend more time on tasks than necessary without seeing much return. Setting clear limits and trusting your initial instincts can save time and energy while still delivering great results.
5. You avoid taking risks.
Perfectionism often keeps you playing it safe. When you’re afraid of making mistakes, trying something new can feel too risky. But avoiding challenges can stunt your growth and leave you feeling stuck in your comfort zone. Taking risks doesn’t mean being reckless—it’s about giving yourself permission to try, even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Embracing failure as part of the process can help you break free from the fear that perfection demands.
6. You’re overly critical of yourself.
Perfectionists often have a harsh inner critic that picks apart every mistake or shortcoming. That constant self-criticism can lower your confidence and make you second-guess your abilities, even when you’re doing your best. Over time, this negativity can affect not only your mental health but also your productivity and relationships. Being more compassionate towards yourself and focusing on your strengths can help quiet that inner voice and give you space to grow without judgement.
7. You don’t know how to delegate (or you outright refuse to).
When you believe no one else can do something as well as you can, handing over responsibility feels impossible. Perfectionism makes it hard to trust anyone, even when they’re fully capable, which leaves you overburdened and stressed. Learning to delegate is not about lowering standards, but about recognising that collaboration can often lead to better results. Letting go of control might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a vital step toward achieving balance and reducing unnecessary stress.
8. You focus on details and miss the bigger picture.
Perfectionists tend to get caught up in the tiny details, often losing sight of the overall goal. While precision has its place, over-focusing on minor issues can waste time and derail progress on more important priorities. By reminding yourself of the bigger picture, you can shift your energy toward what really matters. Sometimes, good enough really is good enough, especially when it means achieving a broader objective without unnecessary delays.
9. You feel drained more often than motivated.
When perfectionism drives you, the constant need to do better can leave you exhausted. Instead of feeling inspired by your goals, you feel weighed down by the pressure to meet impossible standards. It’s not about thriving — it’s about surviving. That kind of burnout isn’t sustainable and often leads to resentment or disengagement. Taking breaks, setting realistic goals, and prioritising self-care can help you recharge and approach tasks with fresh energy instead of dread.
10. You’re too desperate for other people’s approval.
Perfectionists often tie their worth to external validation. Whether it’s praise from a boss, a partner, or social media likes, you may find yourself constantly chasing approval to feel accomplished. But relying on other people’s opinions is a slippery slope. True confidence comes from within, not from someone else’s acknowledgment. Learning to value your own efforts, even when they go unnoticed, can help you build a stronger sense of self-worth that isn’t dependent on outside validation.
11. You have a hard time enjoying downtime.
When you’re driven by perfectionism, relaxing can feel like a waste of time. You might struggle to sit still or feel guilty when you’re not actively working toward something. This mindset can leave you constantly on edge, unable to fully unwind. Downtime isn’t lazy — it’s necessary for your mental and emotional well-being. Allowing yourself time to rest and recharge doesn’t just make you more productive; it also improves your overall quality of life, which is worth far more than any to-do list.
12. You’re more scared of judgement more than failure.
Perfectionism often stems from a deep fear of being judged. You might avoid sharing your work or ideas until you’re certain they’re flawless, not because you fear failing, but because you fear what other people will think. Thinking this way can hold you back from opportunities to grow and connect. Learning to embrace vulnerability and share your work, even when it’s not perfect, can help you overcome this fear and find confidence in your abilities.
13. You rarely feel satisfied, no matter how much you achieve.
Source: Unsplash Perhaps the clearest sign perfectionism is causing harm is when nothing ever feels “good enough.” You might hit milestones or receive praise, but instead of celebrating, you immediately move the goalposts, always chasing the next achievement. The endless cycle can leave you feeling unfulfilled and constantly striving without ever feeling accomplished. Being thankful for your progress and allowing yourself to feel proud of what you’ve done can help break the cycle and bring more balance to your life.
