9 signs you’re caught in the perfectionist trap and how to escape

Graeme Richards by Graeme Richards | June 13, 2024, 6:15 pm

Perfectionism can be a tough cycle to break free from.

It’s like being trapped in quicksand; the harder you try to escape, the deeper you sink.

You see, perfectionism isn’t about striving for excellence or pushing yourself to do better. It’s about never feeling good enough, no matter how much effort you put in.

But don’t worry, I’ve been there and I’ve got your back. You can spot the signs of this perfectionist trap and learn how to escape it.

In this article, “9 signs you’re caught in the perfectionist trap and how to escape”, I’ll be sharing my insights on this subject. Let’s dive in.

1) You’re never satisfied

Perfectionists are their own worst critics.

No matter how well they do, how hard they’ve worked, or how much they’ve achieved, it’s never quite enough. There’s always something that could be better, a detail that could be more refined.

It’s like climbing a mountain that keeps growing higher with each step you take. You can see the peak, but it always seems just out of reach.

This constant dissatisfaction can be exhausting and demoralizing. It’s a clear sign you’re caught in the perfectionist trap.

But don’t despair, knowing is half the battle and I’ll guide you on how to escape this endless cycle.

2) Procrastination is your middle name

Now, this one hits close to home for me.

Back in the day, I’d always find myself putting off tasks simply because I didn’t believe I could do them perfectly. It wasn’t that I was lazy or didn’t care about my work. Quite the opposite, I cared too much.

I’d spend hours, days even, agonizing over the details and fearing the potential mistakes I could make. This dread of imperfection often led to projects sitting untouched and deadlines nearly missed.

If you find yourself delaying tasks because you fear not being able to execute them perfectly, you might be stuck in the perfectionist trap too.

It’s a tough habit to break, but don’t worry, we’re in this together. There are strategies to overcome procrastination and I’ll share them with you.

3) You’re overly cautious

Perfectionists tend to be risk-averse. They’re afraid of making mistakes, which can lead to a fear of trying anything new.

Did you know that perfectionism is linked with slower decision-making? A study published in the Journal of Personality showed that perfectionists take longer to make decisions because they’re so concerned about making the wrong one.

If you find yourself reluctant to take risks or constantly second guessing your decisions, you might be caught in the perfectionist trap.

But don’t worry, there’s a way out and I’m here to guide you.

4) Criticism feels like a personal attack

For perfectionists, criticism stings more than it should.

You’ve probably put in a lot of effort, aimed for flawlessness, and yet someone finds a fault. It feels like they’re nitpicking, undermining your hard work, or worse, questioning your competence.

It’s not just about the work anymore, it’s about you. And that’s because, as a perfectionist, you tend to equate your self-worth with the quality of your work.

If you find it hard to separate yourself from your work and take criticism constructively, you could be caught in the perfectionist trap.

But don’t worry, there are ways to build resilience and I’ll help you find them.

5) You struggle with delegation

As a perfectionist, it can be hard to let go.

You might worry that others won’t handle tasks with the same level of care and precision that you do. So, you end up taking on more than you can handle, believing that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.

This can lead to unnecessary stress, overwork, and burnout. It’s a clear sign that you’re caught in the perfectionist trap.

But don’t worry, learning to delegate effectively is a skill, and I’m here to help you master it.

6) You’re constantly comparing yourself to others

I know what it feels like to look at others and wonder why you can’t be as successful, talented, or seemingly perfect as they are.

Comparison is a common trap for perfectionists. You measure your worth against others’, forgetting that everyone has their own strengths, weaknesses, and unique paths in life.

It’s like trying to measure the beauty of a sunflower against a rose. They’re both beautiful in their own way, and so are you.

If you find yourself constantly comparing your achievements or abilities to those of others, it’s likely you’re caught in the perfectionist trap.

But remember this, you are enough just as you are. And I’m here to help you believe it.

7) Failure feels catastrophic

I remember a time when I missed out on a promotion I was really aiming for. The disappointment hit me hard, and it felt like my world was crumbling. I questioned my abilities and doubted my worth.

Looking back, I realize it wasn’t the end of the world, but as a perfectionist, every setback felt like a disaster.

If you’re experiencing similar feelings when things don’t go as planned, it’s possible you’re caught in the perfectionist trap.

Rest assured, failure is part of life and it’s often through our mistakes that we grow the most. I’ll be sharing strategies on how to handle setbacks positively.

8) You have an all-or-nothing mindset

Perfectionists often see things in black and white. It’s either perfect or it’s a failure, with no room for anything in between.

This all-or-nothing mindset can be limiting. It discounts the value of progress and learning, focusing solely on the outcome.

If you find yourself dismissing any effort that doesn’t result in perfection, it’s a sign you’re stuck in the perfectionist trap.

But remember, life is full of shades of gray and every step forward counts. I’ll show you how to embrace this perspective.

9) Your self-worth is tied to your achievements

As a perfectionist, you might equate success with self-worth.

When you’re successful, you feel great about yourself. But when things don’t go as planned, your self-esteem takes a hit.

This is a dangerous cycle, and it’s the most important sign that you’re caught in the perfectionist trap.

Your worth is not determined by your achievements. You are inherently valuable, regardless of your successes or failures. Remember that.

Final thought: Embrace your imperfections

The road to overcoming perfectionism is paved with self-compassion and acceptance.

Remember, no one is perfect. Not the most successful entrepreneur, not the most brilliant scientist, not even the most influential leader. Each one of them has stumbled, made mistakes, and learned from their failures.

Author and researcher Brené Brown once said, “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”

So, if you find yourself caught in the perfectionist trap, remember you’re not alone. It’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be you.

Embrace your imperfections. They make you human. They make you, you.

And as you navigate this journey of letting go of perfectionism, remember this: Your worth is inherent. You are enough, just as you are.