Are you trying to be perfect at work?  This can drive you crazy and actually make you very unhappy at work.

I used to drive myself crazy making sure my team’s deliverables were 100% perfect for our client.  Unfortunately, my team didn’t have much fun working for me because I created a lot of stress. I almost had a nervous breakdown trying to keep my team operating exactly how my client wanted things to be.

I didn’t realize that only another woman on my team and I had this perfectionist mindset until my male manager pulled us aside and told both of us one day, “You know, things don’t have to be perfect.”

Stop Trying to Be Perfect

Striving for perfection is actually one of those things you think would be a great strength, but it can be negative, especially when managing men who don’t have the same concern for perfection. After my male boss told me not to be perfect, I realized that men don’t strive for perfection like women often do.

The other woman working for me and I eventually moved positions and two men took our place. They laugh, have fun, and don’t stress about making things perfect. And guess what? The ship doesn’t sink.

We are all imperfect and trying reach perfection can create a lot of stress. Also, perfection kills creativity, which is very important when managing a team.

How to Move Away from Being a Perfectionist

Make a Deadline for Your Task

When the time comes, move onto the next task, even if you haven’t finished the current task yet.  Settle for as good as can be in the time available in order to not spend countless hours trying to make it perfect. If you need to, you can always return to the task at a later time with a fresh perspective.

Set Realistic Expectations & Goals

Make sure you don’t set arbitrary deadlines for yourself for no reason.

Ask for an Extension

I know, it’s hard because it shows that you aren’t perfect. But, usually, there is no negative side-effect to asking for an extension because it shows that you really care. Just don’t make a habit of constantly missing deadlines, which can ultimately ruin your trust and reputation.  Make sure you know the difference between a hard deadline and a soft deadline.