Setbacks of Perfectionism
TO seek for perfection is a good working habit and it is a common attribute of many successful individuals. However, if it is overdone, it would most probably do more harm than good.
Here are some examples of perfectionism turning into stumbling blocks. If you observe these symptoms in you then it may be a good time to step on the brake to avoid doing any damage to your career. Always miss the deadline You are famous for always missing the deadline. Due to the fact that you need to make your work perfect, you are not able to put a stop to making corrections or amending your work. As a result, you are not able to produce your work on time.
In the long run, others find it hard to rely on you to get anything done on time and lose their confidence in you. Keep dwelling on mistakes Perfectionists who lack confidence will tend to dwell on their mistakes and they find it very hard to forgive themselves. They easily slip into defectiveness and this may even lead to depression.
When this happens, they will lose interest in their current work and will try to run away from it. Happy to see others fail When others are not successful in their endeavours, some individuals will feel better for they do not like to see others being successful and outshine them.
This kind of mentality is unhealthy and is an extreme form of perfectionism. It should be discouraged at all cost so as not to harm their interpersonal relationship with others. Become a pleaser Some individuals keep perfecting their work in order to win the praise and approval of others.
Due to this kind of mentality, they find their work to be miserable as they are always afraid to receive criticism from others for it will crush their confidence.
In actual fact, if one is focused on their work and seek breakthrough, others will naturally approve of and praise one’s effort. Dislike ordinariness Perfectionists are not happy to be linked with ordinariness. If others comment on their work or themselves as ordinary, they will fi nd it very hard to accept. They tend to become anxious and nervous. Take criticism personally These individuals often feel that they are not good enough. Hence, they tend to be sensitive. Whenever there is any criticism or negative opinion, they will find that it is their fault and are not able to look at the criticism in an objective way.
They will feel that the criticisms are all directed towards them and they easily feel offended.
They tend to be offensive and are unable to accept criticism from others. They are quick to defend themselves to prove their thoughts and ideas. Critical Perfectionists often have a strong sense of exclusiveness. They are selective in choosing whom they associate with. Hence, they only mix with people in a small select circle.
As a result, they tend to be critical towards those who do not belong to this inner social circle of theirs.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate. You are welcome to send your enquiries to pris_ hiu@ yahoo.com.