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Procrastination and Perfectionism
Barbara Heffernan • January 8, 2024
Procrastination and Perfectionism
Do you ever find yourself thinking about a project and getting overwhelmed by all of the great ideas you have, or avoiding your most important tasks?
Or maybe you start a project, but it’s not quite up to standard, and you may not get around to finishing until the last minute?
Or you might even find yourself pushing the limits on budgets or deadlines because you know things can always be better…
If so, you’re experiencing first-hand the interconnectedness between perfectionism and procrastination.
This can be a challenging cycle to break, but there are some frameworks that are helpful to keep in mind when you find yourself going down this path…
- #1 Recognize and list the constraints of your project—consider time, budget, materials, and support.
- #2 Apply the 80-20 Rule, which states that 80% of results come from 20% of the effort. By following this rule, you’re able to put your energy into the most productive places.
- #3 Embrace "good enough" & acknowledge that perfection is not required for success. A C is a passing grade… In which areas of your life can you accept a C?
- #4 Develop a sense of humor about the perfectionist impulse to lighten the mood and gain perspective.
By taking these actions steps, you’re on your way to breaking free from the perfectionism-procrastination loop and living a more relaxing, productive life.
Blog Author: Barbara Heffernan, LCSW, MBA. Barbara is a licensed psychotherapist and specialist in anxiety, trauma, and healthy boundaries. She had a private practice in Connecticut for twenty years before starting her popular YouTube channel designed to help people around the world live a more joyful life. Barbara has a BA from Yale University, an MBA from Columbia University and an MSW from SCSU. More info on Barbara can be found on her bio page.
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