When Perfectionism Leads to Burnout
20 November 2012
Read by 1713 persons
Attention to detail, a zero-defect obsession, the need to control everything without delegating… Perfectionists share this thirst for "doing well." However, this laudable quality can become a handicap when one confuses the result to be achieved and the ideal. As a result, perfectionist individuals, hard workers, may be more often than others affected by burnout, the syndrome of professional exhaustion. This is manifested by various symptoms: irritability, chronic fatigue, persistent migraines, lower back pain, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders… How to manage this thirst for the absolute without succumbing to mental and physical wear and tear?
Protecting yourself from the trap of addiction
To resist this frenetic tension of always more, always better, you must start by delegating. This implies trusting your colleagues and admitting that you cannot do everything yourself. Furthermore, it is important to admit that recovery is an acceptable and even essential moment in professional life. So, no guilt! Even great athletes take breaks!
Another way to take a step back: preserve extra-professional activities. A little sport, hobbies, friends, family life: finding the right balance is the law of equilibrium.
Finally, do not neglect your sleep and know how to balance your meals: this is essential to stay in shape and resist mental load.
Setting deadlines
The particularity of the perfectionist is to be constantly dissatisfied with their work. Tormented by remorse, regrets, indecision, and doubt, the conscientious and anxious perfectionist undermines themselves. They no longer move forward or undertake anything for fear of making mistakes.
This results in a series of perverse effects that can lead to exhaustion: inability to meet deadlines, tyranny towards colleagues, self-deprecation, depression… Before it gets to that point, try this simple trick: set self-deadlines or ask your manager or clients for deadlines. This way, you will be less tempted to let yourself get overwhelmed.
Adopting a philosophy of life
Before excessive perfectionism turns into obsession, finally tell yourself that better is the enemy of good and that no one is expected to do the impossible. Psychologically, strive to admit your flaws. If necessary, the benevolent listening of a psychologist may perhaps help you better understand the origin of your quest for perfection.
Marie-José Gava.
Etre-bien-au-travail.fr
Published November 7, 2012.
Posted online November 20, 2012.
Protecting yourself from the trap of addiction
To resist this frenetic tension of always more, always better, you must start by delegating. This implies trusting your colleagues and admitting that you cannot do everything yourself. Furthermore, it is important to admit that recovery is an acceptable and even essential moment in professional life. So, no guilt! Even great athletes take breaks!
Another way to take a step back: preserve extra-professional activities. A little sport, hobbies, friends, family life: finding the right balance is the law of equilibrium.
Finally, do not neglect your sleep and know how to balance your meals: this is essential to stay in shape and resist mental load.
Setting deadlines
The particularity of the perfectionist is to be constantly dissatisfied with their work. Tormented by remorse, regrets, indecision, and doubt, the conscientious and anxious perfectionist undermines themselves. They no longer move forward or undertake anything for fear of making mistakes.
This results in a series of perverse effects that can lead to exhaustion: inability to meet deadlines, tyranny towards colleagues, self-deprecation, depression… Before it gets to that point, try this simple trick: set self-deadlines or ask your manager or clients for deadlines. This way, you will be less tempted to let yourself get overwhelmed.
Adopting a philosophy of life
Before excessive perfectionism turns into obsession, finally tell yourself that better is the enemy of good and that no one is expected to do the impossible. Psychologically, strive to admit your flaws. If necessary, the benevolent listening of a psychologist may perhaps help you better understand the origin of your quest for perfection.
Marie-José Gava.
Etre-bien-au-travail.fr
Published November 7, 2012.
Posted online November 20, 2012.
