In the complex world of achieving high-performance in the workplace, there’s a dynamic duo that often goes unnoticed, silently undermining our efforts: procrastination and perfectionism. Like fraternal twins, these behaviors may appear distinct, but they share a common origin and wield a similar impact on our productivity and growth.
Both procrastination and perfectionism stem from a shared desire to sidestep vulnerability, to dodge the challenge of exposing our efforts to critique or judgment. They are strategies we employ to shield ourselves from the discomfort that comes with putting ourselves out there and facing the unknown. And while they may seem to offer protection, in reality, they hold us back from realizing our full potential.
Procrastination is the twin that keeps us from even starting. It convinces us that tomorrow will somehow be more opportune, that we’ll feel more prepared or motivated then. But as we all know, tomorrow never quite arrives. This constant delay robs us of precious time and keeps us from stepping onto the path of progress.
Perfectionism, on the other hand, is the twin that never lets us finish. It persuades us that every task, project, or goal can be elevated to a higher level of flawlessness. But it’s a pursuit fraught with a fallacy: the illusion that perfection exists as an objective state. In truth, perfectionism is a mirage, an unattainable ideal. Our quest for perfection stalls us from crossing the finish line, forever stuck in the realm of “it could be better.”
While procrastination and perfectionism may seem to be on opposing ends of the spectrum, they’re more alike than we realize. In their own ways, they’re both mechanisms for self-preservation, aimed at avoiding potential negative feedback. They offer convenient excuses to protect our self-esteem. Procrastination tells us it’s too late to produce our best work, allowing us to deflect criticism by blaming time constraints. Perfectionism, in its meticulous obsession, lets us evade feedback by asserting that our work is not yet finished.
In truth, both twins keep us from giving our best. They prevent us from confronting the discomfort of uncertainty, criticism, and growth. They limit us from embracing the possibility that our efforts might fall short and, consequently, hinder our journey toward improvement. They’re two sides of the same coin, born from a desire to shield ourselves from discomfort.
To truly thrive in the workplace, we must recognize these twins for what they are—obstacles that hold us back. Embracing imperfection and taking timely action, even when we feel unprepared or the work is not “perfect,” is the key to transcending their grip. By understanding that both procrastination and perfectionism stem from a fear of vulnerability, we can start to shift our mindset and cultivate a healthier approach to performance.
In the end, high-performance is not about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up consistently, learning from experiences, and continually pushing the boundaries of our capabilities. As we disentangle ourselves from the grip of procrastination and perfectionism, we open the door to achieving true excellence in the workplace—excellence that acknowledges the human element, embraces growth, and values the journey as much as the destination.
Paul Double CPCC, PCC, CBC | Professional Certified Coach & Consultant | Positive Leadership Development