Franklin Carpenter
Finding balance often feels like a tightrope walk, particularly when you’re doggedly chasing perfection. There’s a whole army of perfectionists out there, each ceaselessly hunting the illusion of flawlessness and their relentless pursuit can be both inspiring and daunting.
But hold on, what does being a ‘perfectionist’ really mean? How do you recognize one in the bustling crowd of life?
We’re about to embark on an intriguing journey to uncover the signs of a perfectionist hidden in plain sight.
You might find some behaviors strikingly familiar—maybe you’ve even found yourself in these patterns.
So, if you’re ready to pull back the curtain on perfectionism and maybe even discover a little more about yourself, buckle up and let’s dive right in!
1) They set impossible standards
Perfectionists aren’t content with just ‘good enough’.
They’re always reaching for something bigger, better—sometimes to the point of being unrealistic. If anything misses their high bar, they’re likely to critique it fiercely, often leading to frustration or disappointment.
In the workspace, these individuals often push beyond their boundaries, setting sky-high expectations for themselves. Even if they don’t always meet these lofty standards, they’re typically hardworking and relentless in their pursuit.
2) They dwell on mistakes
Perfectionists tend to fixate on even the tiniest mistakes, sometimes for an extended period. This can lead them to feel a sense of self-reproach, as though they’ve let themselves down.
They often get entangled in a web of self-criticism or perfectionist guilt, where they harshly judge their own shortcomings and overlook their achievements.
For someone who’s all-or-nothing, grappling with anything less can be challenging. Even minor slip-ups might feel like major setbacks.
Observe how they react to mistakes—for example, whether they’re able to take constructive criticism in their stride or if it causes them to become more critical of themselves. If it is the latter, the best thing to do is to encourage them to take a step back and practice self-compassion.
Also, try to provide reassurance and understanding in a non-judgmental way. Acknowledge their efforts, regardless of the outcome.
3) They procrastinate
It may sound ironic, but perfectionists, with their sky-high expectations for the end result, often take extra time to finish tasks. They’re usually contemplating future steps or tweaks even before they’ve started.
This cycle of delay continues, as the work is never “up to par” in their eyes. The ultimate outcome? Procrastination!
When a perfectionist procrastinates, it’s often an indication that the task is daunting them. They might be wrestling with their stringent standards or just taking too long to kickstart.
If you observe procrastination stemming from perfectionism, take their self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy seriously.
When you discover that someone is a perfectionist, encourage them to break tasks into bite-sized pieces. This strategy makes the workload more digestible and less likely to overwhelm them.
4) They don’t delegate
Perfectionists are usually the ones who love to take the reins.
Watch any perfectionist and you’ll notice a hesitance to pass tasks onto others—they’d much prefer to handle everything themselves rather than risk it not being done exactly to their vision.
When buried under piles of work, they often tumble into their procrastination trap or become fixated on their pursuit of perfection.
In these situations, it’s crucial to remind them that delegating isn’t admitting defeat or relinquishing control. It’s about recognizing the value of teamwork and having faith in others to get the job done.
5) They’re highly organized
Perfectionists are usually the masters of organization. Be it meticulously sorted colored paperclips or impeccably aligned bookshelves, they often have a knack for order.
Their yearning for precision and neatness typically drives them to arrange everything just so. And this trait isn’t limited to tangible things—perfectionists often apply this same level of organization to their daily routines too.
You might encounter a bit of a workaholic streak in them, as they often burn the midnight oil to ensure everything is tidy and in order.
6) They compare themselves to others
A competitive spirit often hides behind the face of a perfectionist.
Whether it’s their career, academics, or sports—they’re usually in a constant race, comparing themselves to others and aiming to surpass them.
This drive for dominance can fuel ambition but also ensnare them in unhealthy comparison traps, which only amplify their perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy.
Competitiveness is more than just a behavior—it’s a mindset. And perfectionists frequently fall into the pattern of benchmarking their successes against others’ rather than focusing on their own journey.
Every time a perfectionist pits themselves against their peers, they’re piling on more pressure to their already hefty burden.
7) They have a hard time seeing progress
Perfectionists often fix their gaze on the grand scheme of things, seldom pausing to celebrate even minor victories.
This can lead them to overlook their own growth, causing them to feel like they’re stuck in a rut or caught in a loop.
However, when they manage to step back and contemplate how far they’ve journeyed, it becomes easier for them to acknowledge their achievements and appreciate their progress.
Therefore, it’s crucial to highlight the steps they’ve taken towards their goals, no matter how small. Be sure to affirm every accomplishment or milestone—it doesn’t have to be monumental to be meaningful.
Final thoughts
While perfectionism can present challenges, it can also be a powerful catalyst for success. With some self-awareness and acceptance of our complex personalities, we can achieve great things—we just need the courage to start.
By better understanding perfectionism, we can transform its hold on us from negative to constructive. If you’re dealing with a perfectionist, encourage them to utilize this trait positively. A shift in perspective can make a big difference!
Success involves managing our perfectionism while also leveraging it for growth. Perfectionists are often highly skilled and talented. By acknowledging their unique needs, we can help unleash their potential.
With some effort, perfectionists can channel their drive positively. So, embrace the journey and don’t hesitate to take that first step!
