The need to be perfect

Posted on May 13, 2011 by nancy

As we coach more and more women in our business, I am seeing more and more “perfectionism” holding them hostage.  The need to do things perfectly – and the subsequent desire to beat yourself up mentally when you don’t – is a business and life-limiting move. 

Perfectionism is an ILLUSION.  
And it can be downright debilitating. 

I should know.  I am a “recovered” High Compliant (in the DISC model).  It was literally and figuratively beaten into us (all 5 of my siblings) by my father – perfectionism and the need to do things right.  It’s taken me a lifetime to untie the knots and look at my foibles with compassion rather than condemnation. 

Because of this, I’m teaching my 2 year old nephew Kai to laugh at mistakes.  When he or I do something “imperfect”, we say “uh-oh spaghetti-o’s” which always makes him laugh. 

It’s Friday today.  Casual day for most of the working world.  Why not give yourself a break today and purposely allow or try to make a mistake (OH NO!) and then laugh about it like Kai?

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One Response to The need to be perfect

  1. Caroline B says:
    May 20, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    You mention in your email the hidden secret to success is telling your truth. I am soooo scared to do that with my unit and prospects though. I was a HUGE success in my business in MK my first year. I was in court of sales and finish my first free car and my first directorship within that first year. HOWEVER, I sat on my butt and thought I could get my unit to work and I needed to be there for them and after a year and a half I lost my directorship. The month prior to loosing my directorship I also had to file bankruptcy. I was DEVISATED and asshamed. I haven’t told my family AT ALL. My husband of course knows but it was my bankruptcy for debt I had from all the stuff we had to do to survive in the downturn and the downturn of my business. I feel like I need to share this with my unit but I dont’ know how to and not have them think this business doesn’t work. Any suggestions?? Like I would like to train on money management and share my story but I don’ t know how to share it and still come out the leader I need to be in their eyes.