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The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism at Work: Breaking Free from the Excellence Trap

Writer's picture: Chloe RapsonChloe Rapson


Perfectionism at work isn’t just about striving for excellence—it’s about avoiding failure. If you’ve ever caught yourself delaying tasks until "the timing is perfect" or stayed late in the office perfecting something that was already good enough, you may be struggling with perfectionism in the workplace.


In this post, we’ll explore what perfectionism really looks like and how it impacts both your career and well-being. We’ll also provide practical strategies for managing perfectionism and shifting your mindset towards healthier, more balanced productivity.


How Perfectionism Shows Up in Everyday Work Life

Many of us carry a belief that our work has to be flawless to be valued. Perfectionism shows up in a variety of ways, and it may be holding you back without you even realising it. Here are some common examples:

  • Procrastinating on starting a new project or business idea because "the timing isn’t right."

  • Opening 47 browser tabs to research the "best" approach before you even begin.

  • Rewriting simple emails or texts multiple times before hitting send.

  • Spending hours organising your workspace rather than getting down to work.

  • Holding off on sharing creative projects because they’re not "ready yet."

  • Taking constructive feedback personally, even when it’s minor.

  • Feeling like you're never doing enough, despite working harder than most.


These behaviours may look like dedication, but in reality, they come at a cost. Perfectionism at work can be a barrier to achieving your potential and finding true satisfaction in your career.


The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism

While it may seem harmless, perfectionism in the workplace can cause significant strain. It's not just about productivity; it’s about your overall quality of life. Here are some of the hidden costs:


  • Chronic burnout from maintaining impossibly high standards.

  • Missed opportunities as you wait for "perfect" conditions to act.

  • Strained relationships with colleagues, family, or friends from being tough on yourself and others.

  • Mental exhaustion from constant self-criticism and striving for unattainable goals.

  • Losing the joy in your achievements because you focus too much on flaws.


Perfectionism often masquerades as high standards, but in reality, it’s a defense mechanism used to avoid judgment or failure. If you’re ready to break free from this cycle, the good news is that perfectionism is learned, which means it can also be unlearned.


5 Practical Strategies for Overcoming Perfectionism at Work

The first step towards overcoming perfectionism is realising that "good enough" is not the same as settling. It’s about developing a mindset that values progress over perfection.


Here are five strategies to help you shift your approach:

  • Embrace the 80/20 rule: Focus on the 20% of effort that delivers 80% of the results. Stop when it’s good enough.

  • Practice self-compassion: When perfectionist thoughts arise, pause and ask yourself, "What would I say to a friend in this situation?"

  • Set excellence zones: Prioritise high standards in 1–2 areas that truly matter and consciously lower the bar elsewhere.

  • Start with rough drafts: Take action by creating "rough drafts" of your work. This helps break the paralysis of needing to be perfect before you begin.

  • Take imperfect action: Challenge yourself to begin tasks before you feel completely ready. Remember, done is better than perfect.


Free Yourself from Perfectionism

You don’t need to earn rest through perfect performance. Your best effort, combined with self-compassion, is always enough. In fact, sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to choose to be imperfectly human in a world that often demands perfection.


If you’re ready to explore these strategies further and gain additional insights into mental wellness and stress management at work, be sure to follow our blog for more tips and resources on workplace stress and self-compassion.


Struggling with perfectionism at work? Get in touch to learn how we can work together to build a healthier, more balanced mindset that supports your career and overall well-being.


Contact us today to book your first session!


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We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are Australia’s First Peoples and the traditional owners and custodians of the land, sea and nations on which we live and work. We pay respects to elders, past, present and emerging.

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