Dear Dr. Mimi: Perfectionist

Dear Dr. Mimi:
I am constantly fighting the urge to go back and tweak my projects at work; you could say I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Even when the project is turned in and I’ve been praised extensively for my hard work, I still have this feeling in the back of my head saying, “You could have done better than that.” How do I learn to accept something as good enough?
—Perfectionist

Dear Perfectionist:
Perfectionism is largely created by subjective perceptions that may not be accurate. Try to calm your mind. Ask yourself this: If my managers aren’t being negatively critical of my work, why should I be? In other words, if you are getting great praise for the work you are doing, then it’s safe to assume your manager finds your efforts more than satisfactory. If you still find yourself tweaking, get feedback while you are in the tweaking phase. Listen to their reaction to your projects. If they find it’s great the way it is, then you can logically assume you have done enough and you can move on.
—Dr. Mimi

Written By

drmimi

Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Conflicted

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been having some issues with a coworker of mine. I don’t want it to get in the way of work. How should I handle it?—Conflicted Dear Overwhelmed,If you have a problem with a coworker, stay calm and plan what you are going to say. After you share your thoughts, listen to…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Falling Behind

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been working at my company for ten years, and lately, there has been a lot of new technology implemented that I am not comfortable using. I feel like I am falling behind and nobody cares!—Falling Behind Dear Falling,Learning new things is always scary. I recommend asking your boss if someone can…

  • Informal Roles Shape Teams. Manage Them!

    Often, employees take on informal roles beyond their official job titles. These roles include team explainer, unofficial motivator, coach, problem-solver, and/or organizer. They help teams function better, strengthen relationships, and fill often overlooked gaps. Playing these roles often demonstrates initiative and a willingness to contribute to a team’s success. Informal roles are important AND they…