Perfectionism is driven by fear, not high standards

There is a tendency among high performers to wear perfectionism like a badge of honor. You may think that your obsession with getting everything right shows just how high your standards are. You might even believe perfectionism is the fuel that drives you to be better.

But here's the truth: perfectionism is not high standards.

It is fear.

And fear never leads to real growth. It doesn't make you better. It won't help you reach your goals. Fear keeps you stuck, overthinking, and waiting for a level of certainty that never comes.

Perfection is the lowest standard

Perfectionism is the lowest standard because it is impossible to attain.

When you make perfection the goal, you guarantee that you will never feel successful because there’s always room for growth. You create a standard you cannot reach, which leads to frustration, inadequacy, and self-doubt. Even worse, when the standard is impossible, you may never take action at all because a part of you already knows you can't win.

That's when perfectionism becomes an excuse for inaction.

In our results coaching, we've observed that too many leaders stall their decisions because they feel like they need to have everything figured out before they move forward. But if you wait for the perfect plan, you prevent yourself from moving, learning, adapting, and gaining momentum.

Real success and fulfillment come when you shift your standard from perfection to progress.

Progress over perfection

Our brains are wired to seek growth. When you learn a new skill or move closer to a meaningful goal, your brain releases dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and motivation. Not only does progress feel good, but it also encourages you to keep going. It builds momentum and accelerates your growth.

People often chase happiness as if it is a destination. They think they will finally arrive when they get the right job, the next big promotion, the body they want, or the relationship of their dreams.