A client told me she knows “perfectionism is bad,” but she likes it because it makes her work better.
Do you agree?
Let’s explore the difference between perfectionism and excellence and how one small shift in perspective can open the door to greater success and satisfaction.
Understanding Perfectionism vs. Embracing Excellence
Perfectionism thrives on fear. If you catch yourself overanalyzing tiny details, putting off decisions until you feel certain of success, and treating any feedback like a personal failure, you’re probably stuck in this cycle. Perfectionism leads to constant dissatisfaction, burnout, and a sense that you’re never quite good enough.
Excellence, by contrast, is powered by curiosity and growth. Instead of seeing mistakes as proof of your flaws, you treat them as lessons. You focus on learning, setting reasonable goals, and taking pride in your progress. Excellence allows you to feel energized because it’s not about flawless performance—it’s about showing up fully and embracing the journey.
Julie’s Choice
A client named Julie faced a big career decision. She could stay in her stable, familiar job or take a leadership role at an exciting startup. The new opportunity aligned with her skills and offered room to innovate, but the risks left her paralyzed. Her perfectionism pushed her to search for a “perfect” decision, one that didn’t exist.
Through coaching, Julie began to untangle her fear from her deeper desires. She realized that fear was drowning out a quieter voice inside her—the one that told her what she actually wanted rather than what she thought she should want. As she gave herself permission to listen to that voice, she recognized that while the startup was exciting, it didn’t align with her long-term vision or values.
By considering the full picture, Julie ultimately decided to stay in her current role, but with renewed confidence and purpose. The process of releasing her fear and focusing on her deeper goals helped her make a decision she felt genuinely good about.
When I work with clients like Julie, I often see this shift. Releasing perfectionism makes space for curiosity and clarity, which leads to confident, values-driven decisions.
Questions to Ask Yourself
When I coach managers, I encourage them to ask: Are you avoiding mistakes or aiming for meaningful progress? Are you craving external approval, or looking to nurture your own growth? Can you celebrate small wins instead of demanding instant perfection?
These questions guide you to see that real progress comes from trying, learning, and showing up honestly—not from demanding the impossible.
Simple Shifts Toward Excellence
If you notice perfectionist tendencies, try these small changes:
- Reframe mistakes as lessons rather than failures.
- Celebrate each step forward, even the small ones.
- Let “good enough” be good enough when it comes to small details.
- Show yourself the same kindness you’d show a friend.
- Align your efforts with your own values, not just external expectations.
These shifts don’t require extraordinary effort, just the willingness to be compassionate and curious. You’ll find that excellence isn’t a distant, intimidating goal—it’s a natural step forward once you let go of the pressure to be perfect.
