The real price of perfection
Let’s talk about something I believe affects a lot of us agency owners: perfectionism.
Now, don’t get me wrong, having high standards and striving for excellence are great qualities to have, especially when you’re running an agency. But when those qualities turn into perfectionism, it can be a real problem.
Perfectionism is the belief that if you do everything perfectly, you can avoid failure, criticism, and judgment.
It’s the idea that if you just work hard enough, you can control everything and everyone around you.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, perfectionism is a trap.
It’s a never-ending cycle of self-doubt, anxiety, and frustration.
You set impossible standards for yourself, and when you inevitably fall short, you beat yourself up over it.
You tell yourself you’re not good enough, that you’ll never measure up. And so, you try even harder to be perfect, and the cycle starts all over again.
What if I were to tell you that perfectionism is a myth?
How does it feel to fully and completely believe the idea that perfectionism is an illusion created by you and lives through you?
Take a minute and let that sink in.
Perfection is a belief you’ve created for yourself, and therefore it’s also within your power to release it.
Bam! There it is!
It’s within you to disconnect your self-worth from the idea of BEING perfect.
The reality is no matter how hard you try, you will never be perfect, because there is no such thing as perfection.
There will always be room for learning and improvement.
And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s liberating.
When you let go of the idea of perfection, you open yourself up to a world of possibility.
So what can you do about your perfectionism?
=> Recognize when you’re being a perfectionist.
If you find yourself constantly tweaking and obsessing over minor details, or if you’re afraid to delegate or take risks because you’re afraid of failure, you might be dealing with perfectionism.
=> Practice self-compassion.
Treat yourself like you would treat a good friend who was struggling. Be kind and understanding, and remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes.
=> Embrace vulnerability.
Perfectionism often stems from a fear of vulnerability. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you open yourself up to new ideas, experiences, and relationships.
=> Set realistic goals.
Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, try setting realistic goals that challenge you but are also achievable.
=> Celebrate your successes.
Perfection is the thief of joy. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.
Perfectionism is a hard habit to break, but it’s not impossible.
Instead of staying in the perfection trap you’re in now and wondering how you can escape it on your own, let’s talk.
I’ve helped many agency owners just like you break past perfection and embody a better way of BEING in their business. A way forward that creates space for more joy, impact and profit.
I offer a free clarity session that could change everything for the better.
Click here to set up a time. Together, we’ll map out a plan to get out of the daily grind so you can focus on the things that matter most.