This is the biggest business killer

Perfectionism use to be seen as a good quality and very desirable in the workplace but we now understand how incredibly destructive it can be. So many of us constantly strive for perfection but it can be demoralising, frustrating and oppressive.

Perfection is an illusion and people who seek perfection find themselves unfulfilled when you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing, trust yourself, when you do something you will do it to a high standard, it doesn’t need to be ‘perfect’.

Here is a reality check list to help you when you’re caught up in one of these negative situations:

1. Are my thoughts factual, or my interpretations?

2. Am I jumping to negative conclusions?

3. Is this situation as bad as I’m making it out to be?

4. What’s the worst thing that could happen? How likely is that to happen?

5. Will this still matter tomorrow, next week or next year?

Victims of perfectionism suffer from failed businesses, relationships and even diets. It doesn’t discriminate and it can attack anyone striving for success. The paralysis of perfection can be a dream killer for many entrepreneurs.

Perfectionism is the all-or-nothing attitude that sounds like these: “I haven’t worked out my logo yet. I can’t make business cards without a logo. I can’t go to a networking event without business cards. I’ll just stay at home.”

This sort of perfectionism crushes creativity, prevents productivity, induces anxiety and feelings of low self-worth.

Most perfectionists don’t even realise so they cling to the belief that their pursuit of perfection is really just the definition of doing a good job. Perfectionism may be what is ultimately restricting someone from desired success.

So what else can you do? Be motivated by passion rather than fear. Fear of failure can be powerful in the short term, but it also leads to stress, burnout and business failure. Next time you feel yourself over thinking, amending, researching too much, not pressing that button or putting off something give yourself a quick pep talk and take action.

Focus instead on passion. When you have a true purpose for your career or business, you are more engaged, resilient and ultimately more successful.