“Perfection” appears to be a simple and charming term, but its pursuit contains many unsaid things. In their pursuit of success, many women entrepreneurs turn to perfectionism. And, when you set out to reach perfectionism, you not only embark on the longest journey possible but also one fraught with challenges, such as self-doubt and an unwillingness to celebrate victories. However, by cultivating a more balanced perspective and embracing realistic expectations, women can unleash their true potential and thrive in the entrepreneurial arena.
Perfectionism is sometimes motivated by a strong desire to demonstrate one’s worth and ability, especially in male-dominated industries. However, the obsessive quest for perfection can be a double-edged blade, resulting in burnout, procrastination, and an unwavering fear of failure. Ironically, the same quality that drives ambition can also limit growth and creativity.
Dr Chandni Tugnait shares few ways to manage perfectionism for women entrepreneurs –
Analyze the root causes: Perfectionism is rarely an isolated phenomenon; it is frequently the result of deeper insecurities, cultural pressures, or trauma. Taking the time to think on the underlying psychological and environmental factors might help women entrepreneurs become more self-aware. Understanding where perfectionist worries originate is the first step toward addressing them.
Harness strategic self-doubt: While excessive self-doubt feeds the paralysis of perfectionism, a small amount channeled productively can be helpful. Rather than stressing over insignificant issues, entrepreneurs should utilize pragmatic self-questioning as a quality-control check on big efforts prior to implementation. Strategic self-doubt becomes a benefit, but compulsive perfectionism remains a hindrance.
Follow the “70% solution”: Perfectionists frequently become buried down in analytical paralysis, adjusting and refining indefinitely. One option is to adopt the “70% solution” – at a particular point, declare an effort 70% complete and switch to execution mode. The remaining 30% of niggling details will have little impact on the outcome. Adopting this approach keeps things flowing while avoiding over-analysis.
Be transparent about struggles: The business world continues to present executives, particularly women, as faultless juggernauts. This exaggerated facade contributes to the unhealthy culture of perfectionism. Successful female entrepreneurs can establish an environment that destigmatizes the negative impacts of perfectionism by freely disclosing their problems and self-doubts.
Accepting imperfections: To break free from the chains of perfectionism, female entrepreneurs must rethink their definition of success. Rather than comparing it with an impossible ideal of perfection, they should accept the inevitable flaws that accompany any undertaking. Progress is better than perfection. This mentality shift enables a more realistic appraisal of goals, promoting a growth-oriented approach that values progress above perceived shortcomings.
Separate self-worth from achievement: One negative element of perfectionism is that it might lead women to associate their self-worth with their accomplishments. This perspective views mistakes and weaknesses as fundamentally personal flaws rather than mere bumps in the journey. Women entrepreneurs must intentionally separate their identity and self-esteem from their work accomplishments. It is critical to cultivate other sources of fulfilment and self-acceptance in addition to professional accomplishment.
As women continue to break down glass ceilings and carve out their proper position in the entrepreneurial world, it is critical to cultivate a mindset that nurtures ambition while avoiding the shackles of perfectionism. Women entrepreneurs can construct a route that values progress over perceived defects by reframing success, exercising self-compassion, and building a supportive network.
In doing so, they not only realize their full potential but also encourage a generation of women to pursue their aspirations boldly, free of the burden of chasing an impossible ideal. The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with hurdles and accomplishments, and only by maintaining a balanced viewpoint can women genuinely enjoy the fruits of their labor and make an everlasting impact on the corporate environment.
Dr Chandni Tugnait is M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director – Gateway of Healing.
