Do you delay starting projects because you know they won't be done perfectly? Are you highly anxious about doing every project just right? Do you work, then polish, then polish again, until you finally miss your deadline?

If you do, then you have a perfectionist streak, a habit that fuels a whole variety of stress-producing qualities, including procrastination, defensiveness, fear, guilt, and failure to delegate. One study reviewed reports from 9,000 managers and professionals that concluded that perfectionism results in reduced job performance. The research also cited health problems that result from this form of self-induced stress. In addition, those who set their standards in an unachievable manner tend to lose self-esteem when they fail to meet t heir goals, which only adds to stress.

Defeating perfectionism demands taking charge of what's on your agenda, whether it's a work or at home. Decide how much time you have, then analyze what degree of quality must be embodied in the finished project. Sometimes it's not necessary to do a project of top quality when one of lesser quality will suffice. Once you have set these parameters, get started and follow through.


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