The Perils of Perfectionism in Work and Life

Dr. Laura addresses perfectionism in this episode, looking into what perfectionism truly is and how it’s detrimental to our well-being. The pursuit of perfection slows us down and interferes with us being our best, most innovative selves. Few situations call for absolute perfection, Dr. Laura notes, and she examines how the single-minded drive to be perfect blocks our creativity and leads to burnout. 

One method for combating perfectionism is the 80/20 rule, which Dr. Laura explains is learning to be satisfied with getting a project to 80%, which is very good, and not spending the extra 20% to fight for perfection. Dr. Laura’s advice focuses on how to retrain ourselves from striving for perfection, how we can practice self-compassion, what practical steps we can take, and how to avoid letting perfectionism impact our relationships. She approaches the subject from a personal perspective, sharing her own journey through perfectionism and how she found success without being perfect.

“I love this quote by Sheryl Sandberg in that done is better than perfect. And I agree, it's about execution. It's about getting things done and doing things well. But getting things done perfectly will lead you to not get things done, period.” Dr. Laura

About Dr. Laura:

Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services.

Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018.

Resources:

Dr. Laura on LinkedIn

Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube

Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live

For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: 

Canada Career Counselling

Synthesis Psychology