Overcoming Perfectionism: Embracing Progress Over Perfection

Perfectionism is theoretically a great idea: have a good understanding of products / services, grasping client needs, ability to navigate difficult market times, mastering key technologies among other facets. Perfectionism comes in a variety of colors – ambition, high standards, or a strong work ethic. The truth: it is simply theory. Beneath the surface, perfectionism can be a paralyzing force that stifles creativity, delays progress, and chips away at self-worth and a potential negative stigma. Let’s face it, the environment and world are changing continuously, creating a moving target. To succeed in this environment, one needs to understand how to consistently reinvest in themselves rather than striving for perfection. Overcoming perfectionism isn’t about lowering your standards, it’s about shifting your mindset from fear of failure to a focus on growth and learning.

Burnout often travels alongside perfectionism. Early signs include feeling overwhelmed by basic tasks, irritability, procrastination (like revenge bedtime scrolling), or seeing vacation solely as recovery time. Christina Maslach identifies burnout through three dimensions: overextension, disengagement, and ineffectiveness. Recognizing even one of these early can help prevent total burnout. As Brene Brown recommends, consider setting after-work rituals, scheduling short breaks, and making space for joy—even in small, ‘garbage time’ moments like watching a favorite show. Perfectionism can also disguise burnout. Christina Wallace encourages individuals to diversify their identities and pursuits much like one would a financial portfolio—balancing passion, purpose, and profession to build a resilient and fulfilling life. Her framework offers a powerful antidote to perfectionism and burnout by reminding us that we are more than any single job, role, or title.

Fosslien & Duffy suggest examining your thought patterns: do you feel guilty for resting? Is your internal checklist never-ending? Ask yourself, ‘What is perfectionism protecting me from?’ Often, it’s fear—of failure, of not being enough, of not being loved. Reflecting on where these expectations began can help you shift toward self-compassion and realistic goals.

Understanding the Source

Combat perfectionism by shifting from avoidance to approach goals. Instead of ‘I don’t want to mess up,’ try, ‘I want to showcase what I’ve learned.’ This mindset shift can reduce anxiety and foster confidence. Seek feedback at 80% completion—don’t wait for perfect. And remember: if something is worth doing 100%, it’s also worth doing 20%. Start small and iterate.

It can be difficult to determine the root cause of perfectionism – and oftentimes people believe its engrained in their DNA. However, most of the time, this originates from the fear of failure or judgement – whether it stems from your upbringing, previous experiences, or personal insecurities. For example, someone who was constantly praised for being “the smart one” might grow up feeling immense pressure to never make mistakes. This fear can lead to procrastination, burnout, or even avoidance of new challenges altogether.

Without understanding the source, it will be difficult to change the mindset. Here are some ways to think about identifying the source:

• Find a timeframe: determine when this perfectionism mindset first started. Did it begin in college and finding your first internship? Was it from a sport / afterschool activity? Finding a source and then backtracking the key elements and factors could be instrumental to find the epicenter
• Ask friends / family: these people know you best. Pick their brains as to where you had a shift in your methodologies. They oftentimes have a great unbiased perspective that can help accelerate finding where things began
• Use Online Resources: There are a variety of resources that can help identify some key elements on where this perfectionism originated. Some great sources are Psychology Today or Verywell Mind

Shifting the Mindset

While its easier said then done, overcoming perfectionism starts with recognizing the concept is just an illusion – no one gets everything right the first time, and mistakes are not only inevitable—they’re essential for growth. In fact, Harvard Business School’s study indicates that the most successful leaders / managers reveal their failures as it creates a further intimacy and deepens relationships with colleagues / friends and peers but leveling a mindset that everyone is human.

A key element to creating a good mindset is through the creation of realistic goals / deadlines. Provide ample time to produce ‘good work’, especially on long-term projects or complex ideas. You are always better to under promise and overdeliver then overpromise and underdeliver.

It might sound strange – but talk to your inner self. Instead of saying, “This has to be perfect,” say, “This is a draft, and I can improve it over time.”

Embracing Vulnerability and Feedback

Let’s face it – feedback could be scary and some people take it personally. However, use feedback as a tool of self-improvement, and is one of the most powerful tools to improve to be a better being. If you do not ask to improve, how will you truly know what you are missing or could be enhanced?

Keep in mind – when you are asking for feedback, the goal is to truly listen and not use it as a rebuttal opportunity. Right down the key ideas, and ensure that you replay the feedback from your own perspective so that you truly understand you get what is being asked of you.

Feedback comes in stages. Start small: share your work with a trusted friend or colleague and ask for one thing they liked and one thing they’d improve. Over time, you’ll build resilience and learn to see feedback as a gift, not a threat.

Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results

While it may sound silly, make it a habit to celebrate progress. Keep a list of small wins: finishing a draft, asking for help, or simply starting a task you’ve been avoiding. These moments matter and are signs that you’re moving forward, even if the path isn’t perfect or conventional.

What to Reinvest In

Beyond asking people, it is always helpful to look at the industry to see if one is missing a particular skill-set or brush-up on certain frameworks to become a more well-rounded individually. With the world being an everchanging environment, being up to date with news sources, licenses / certifications, or talking with industry peers will always allow you to continuously improve. Keep in mind – this does not mean to get every degree / accolade in existence, it is looking and determining which ones exist, how they can help make you more rounded, and creating a roadmap for success. Don’t overburden yourself and become burnt out on these elements, plan them accordingly, take some breaks – there is no need to be improving yourself 24/7.

Perfectionism – it doesn’t exist. Make your growth and investment in yourself a journey that continuous to evolve, not a set destination or target. One must have patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to embrace imperfection as part of the process. With time, practice, and patience, the exhausting pursuit of flawlessness will eventually become the freedom of progress.

Make time for inspiration. Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy recommend honoring ‘in-between’ moments—shower thoughts, solo walks, or idle time. These silent spaces can unlock creativity and provide clarity. Inspiration also comes from cross-pollination: reading outside your field, reflecting with others, and practicing vulnerability. Growth often begins in these quiet, imperfect gaps.

Written by Dee Polat, ICF-PCC, Director of Alumni Engagement, Boston University Questrom School of Business, and David Fisher, Vice-President, Citizens Bank & Young Questrom Leader.

Sources:

University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Burnout: Dr. Christina Maslach [Video]. Two for You Video Series. https://extension.umn.edu/two-you-video-series/burnout-dr-christina-maslach

TEDx Talks. (2019, October 24). Burnout and how to avoid it | Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski | TEDxNewAlbany [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-bEoslxuiI

Fosslien, L., & Duffy, M. W. (2019). No hard feelings: The secret power of embracing emotions at work. Portfolio/Penguin.

Gino, F. (2018, May 7). Why managers should publicize their failures. Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/why-managers-should-publicize-their-failures