5 Signs Your Inner Perfectionist Might Be Taking Over (and It’s Okay!)

Hey there, achievers! Do you ever find yourself obsessing over that last detail on a project, rewriting emails until they’re “perfect,” or feeling like anything less than an A+ is a failure? 

Yeah, us too. ‍

There’s no denying that a drive for excellence can be a powerful asset. But sometimes, that fire can turn into a bit too much heat. 

Here are 5 signs of perfectionism that might be holding you back:

1. The Never-Ending To-Do List: You set sky-high goals, but the pressure to achieve them all flawlessly keeps you stuck in planning mode. Remember, progress over perfection is key!

    

2. The Procrastination Paradox: You avoid starting tasks because you’re afraid they won’t be good enough. But guess what? The longer you wait, the bigger the mountain seems. Take a deep breath and just get started!

    

3. The Inner Critic is LOUD: You dwell on every mistake and replay them in your mind like a broken record. We all make mistakes. Let’s learn from them and move on!

    

4. Comparison is the Thief of Joy: You constantly measure yourself against others, leaving you feeling discouraged. Everyone has their own path. Focus on your journey and celebrate your wins.

    

5. Fun? What Fun? Striving for perfection can leave you burnt out and with no room for hobbies or relaxation. Schedule some “me-time” and rediscover the joy of simply chilling.

If you recognize yourself in a few of these, don’t worry! Perfectionism is common, but it doesn’t have to rule your life. Remember, it’s okay to be imperfectly you, and that’s pretty darn amazing.

We’re all on this journey together, so be kind to yourself and celebrate the small wins. 

You’ve got this!

What are the signs of a perfectionist?

Common signs of perfectionism include:

• Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself or others

• Fear of failure or making mistakes

• Procrastination (often due to fear of not doing something perfectly)

• Overworking or struggling to complete tasks because they’re never “good enough”

• Difficulty delegating or trusting others to do tasks

• Excessive self-criticism and negative self-talk

• Avoidance of new challenges unless success is guaranteed

• Equating self-worth with achievement or performance

What is the 70/30 rule for perfectionism?

The 70/30 rule is a mindset shift tool to help counteract perfectionism. It suggests:

If a task or project is 70% “good enough,” it’s time to move forward or let it go.

The remaining 30%—the polishing, obsessing, tweaking—often has diminishing returns. This rule encourages progress over perfection, helping perfectionists release the need for flawlessness in favor of momentum and productivity.

What is the root cause of perfectionism?

Perfectionism often stems from a mix of psychological, emotional, and environmental factors:

• Childhood experiences — high parental expectations, criticism, conditional love or praise

• Fear of rejection or shame — equating mistakes with unworthiness

• Low self-esteem — seeking validation through achievement

• Cultural or societal pressures — to meet impossible standards of beauty, success, or intelligence

• Trauma or anxiety — perfectionism can be a form of control or self-protection

At its core, perfectionism is often a defense mechanism against feeling not good enough.

What personality disorder is perfectionism?

Perfectionism, on its own, is not a personality disorder. However, maladaptive or extreme perfectionism can be a feature of:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

  • Not to be confused with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

  • OCPD involves a chronic preoccupation with orderliness, control, and perfection, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency

It can also show up in:

• Avoidant Personality Disorder (due to fear of criticism or failure)

• Narcissistic traits (when perfectionism is tied to needing to appear superior)

If you resonate with any of these signs of perfectionism then let’s chat!