Perfectionism Leads to Depression

We are unique individuals, not meant to fit perfectly into the world like pieces of a puzzle. If our view of the world is that of a puzzle, it’s important to remember the fact that every puzzle piece is unique and shaped differently. Our imperfections make us best suited to our circumstances, and making goals for perfection limits our productivity and often leads to depression. Depression feeds our low self-esteem and further contributes to procrastination, cycling our mood downward even more.

Work contributes to our feelings of actualization and helps us socialize with others. Working is an essential part of our lives and plays an enormous part in how we define ourselves and our role in the world. However, one major problem that relates to our productivity is perfectionism. When we only define ourselves by how well or how badly we perform, we destroy our self-worth and contribute to poor performance outcomes. We are pushing ourselves into diminished well-being.

Perfectionism Lowers Productivity

Being a professional means bringing your best efforts to work. However, sometimes our best efforts, we feel, are not as good as what is needed. Instead, we procrastinate because of our self-doubt. Self-doubt and perfectionism can create crippling fear and lead to a lack of productivity at work and school.

We often define procrastination as delaying work or aversive tasks that seem too difficult to conduct. We may do other small tasks to feel productive. However, our productivity for necessary tasks is put off either because of perfectionism or other related deficits in our well-being. One major problem found in persons who procrastinate is low self-esteem. Many people with low self-esteem put off assignments because they feel an inability to properly complete the assignment.

Procrastination is not just about putting things off to the last minute. Work-related problems like procrastination find their roots in personality characteristics. You are not flawed but may be struggling with concerns in performance, anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. Help is available. Headlight provides various resources to help improve your well-being.

Perfectionism and Procrastination Lead to Depression

When one examines the underlying problems of procrastination, we often find perfectionism at the root. According to an article in Frontiers in Psychology, perfectionism is often rooted in fear of poor evaluations and the potential loss of one’s job. Furthermore, fear perpetuates procrastination and eventually leads to depression and burnout.

Depression due to work problems is common in many people. Performance anxiety is real and not just “in your head.” You have the right to fear, but you must also recognize your fear may not be valid. Carefully examine the facts of the situation and recognize you would not have the job or have survived school unless you have the knowledge and skills to perform at your current level.

Another thing to consider is the idea of your boss or instructors stretching your abilities. Your performance may not be perfect, but you can learn from the experience and improve next time. Do not be afraid of new experiences as they may lead to better jobs and better performance.

Procrastination creates problems at work and school, which leads to problems at home. School and work accomplishments must be completed. Take time to prepare yourself for your work and recognize you are capable. Self-doubt is crippling but can be overcome with relaxation and focus techniques, which you can learn from therapists at Headlight.

The Beauty of Imperfection

Our world can be so focused on perfection that we forget who we are made to be. You are not made to fit like any other puzzle piece. You are your own perfect piece. We do not exist as replicas of others. We are unique and have abilities and experiences, unlike any other person. You must claim these unique characteristics as you strategize on overcoming worries about performance and your need to be perfect.

One thing to consider is how music is different depending on who plays it. The same song sounds different when played by another artist. Yet, both artists play and perform well, even though different.

Perfectionism can be a curse as it leads to anxiety and depression. Some perfectionism is good as you try to perform at your best. However, if perfectionism is getting in the way of your work, school, or personal life, you may want to ask for help. You are not alone in your struggle with perfectionism. While statistics of perfectionism and related problems with well-being are unknown, we can know that perfectionism gets in the way of living our lives to the fullest.

Perfectionism can be a crippling experience in work and school but can be overcome. You do not need to struggle with the effects of perfectionism alone. Many people struggle with worries and fears about performance, leading to procrastination and depression. Understanding how your fears play a role in your work and life can help you be more productive and perform at your best. If you are struggling with feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, depression, you need not struggle alone. At Headlight, we know how hard working in this current world can be and are here to help you overcome any issues you are having with personal well-being. We offer coaching, therapy, medication management, and group support services. We also offer articles of encouragement and self-care ideas. You do not have to feel alone any longer. Contact us at Headlight by calling 800-930-0803 and learn how to overcome your fears about performance.