02/16/2024 by Kori Burkholder

Dream Job on Hold: Is Perfectionism Your Worst Enemy?

Imagine staring at a menu overflowing with delicious options yet unable to order anything because the fear of choosing the "wrong" dish paralyzes you. This, for many, is the reality of perfectionism, impacting even the most mundane decisions. Sarah, a seasoned marketing professional, was caught in this web, yearning for change but held back by the fear of imperfection.

Sarah's heart flickered with the entrepreneurial dream, a stark contrast to the corporate monotony she endured. However, the overwhelming question, "Which idea is the perfect one?" fueled by perfectionism, kept her teetering on the edge of indecision. This internal battle prevented her from leaping into entrepreneurship.

As a career coach, I witness countless individuals grappling with this paradox of choice. They yearn for change, harboring dreams of entrepreneurship or career pivots, yet remain tethered to the comfort of the familiar, paralyzed by the fear of making the "wrong" decision. Sarah's story perfectly embodied this struggle.

During our initial call, Sarah's excitement crackled through the phone lines. She spoke of a million ideas, each a potential stepping stone toward her dream. But beneath the enthusiasm lurked a shadow – the insidious voice of perfectionism. "Which is the perfect one?" she fretted, her voice tinged with doubt.

This internal battle, fueled by the relentless pursuit of flawlessness, was Sarah's biggest obstacle. The fear of choosing wrong, of investing time and resources into an unfruitful endeavor, kept her teetering on the edge of indecision. I recognized this struggle all too well. Many clients came to me with similar stories, yearning for change but held captive by self-doubt.

"Sarah," I reassured her, "it's not about finding the one true path. It's about embracing the journey and uncovering your strengths and values along the way." This approach resonated with her. Sarah connected with my case studies and the personalized plan I outlined, a roadmap tailored specifically to her challenges and aspirations.

Sarah's Internal Tug-of-War:

However, the inner perfectionist, disguised as responsible caution, continued to whisper doubts. "What if it's not the perfect fit? What if I invest and it doesn't work?" she questioned, her voice laced with apprehension. The financial commitment and the uncertainty of venturing into the unknown chipped away at her resolve.

Sensing her hesitation, I gently nudged her to consider the alternative: "Sarah, imagine a year from now. If you choose not to take action now, what might your life and career look like in a year?"

A wave of resignation washed over her. "It wouldn't be pretty," she admitted, her voice heavy with the weight of unfulfilled dreams. "More of the same, I suppose. Just the same unsatisfying routine, day in and day out, with the regret of inaction compounding over time."

"I just really do feel like I question myself a lot," Sarah confessed. "And I overthink things, and that holds me back. I have perfectionistic tendencies and want to do things the right way. I want to get an A plus on the first time every time. So I have to overcome some of the fear of failure and to be okay with experimenting and trying."

The conflict within Sarah was palpable. The yearning for change battled the fear of making the wrong decision. Witnessing this internal tug-of-war, I knew I had to offer more than just a plan; I had to offer her the courage to embrace progress over perfection.

Sarah's Choice and a Universal Lesson:

While Sarah ultimately decided to explore other options, driven by her perfectionist tendencies, her story is a powerful reminder. We often get caught in the analysis paralysis trap, searching for the elusive "perfect" solution that doesn't exist. But the truth is that progress, not perfection, is the key to unlocking our full potential.

Sarah's journey is far from over. Will she choose to break free from the shackles of perfectionism and take the leap? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – the decision to move forward, even with imperfect clarity, is infinitely better than remaining stagnant, trapped in the cage of our own making. Remember, your dream career awaits. Don't let perfectionism hold you back from taking the first step toward a life filled with purpose and passion.

If you are struggling, like Sarah, here are 5 ways to conquer your Inner Perfectionist:

Recognize and Challenge Perfectionist Thoughts: Identify the self-critical voice and its underlying fears. Question its validity and replace negativity with realistic and encouraging thoughts.
Embrace Progress Over Perfection: Aim for "good enough" instead of flawless. Celebrate small wins and focus on continuous improvement, not immediate lawlessness.
Set Realistic Goals: Avoid overwhelming yourself with unrealistic expectations. Break down large goals into achievable steps and celebrate progress along the way.
Embrace Experimentation and Failure: View mistakes as learning opportunities, not setbacks—experiment and try new things without fearing failure. Remember, growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Forgive mistakes and acknowledge your efforts. Focus on self-acceptance and self-worth, not achieving perfection.

Remember, overcoming perfectionism is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and keep moving forward towards your goals.

How To Face and Embrace Your Dark Parts to Break Free

P.S And, whenever you’re ready... here are four ways we can help you get unstuck and grow your purpose-driven career:

1. Watch a free Masterclass: Clarify the fastest path to land a more fulfilling and purposeful career & beyond. Identify any limiting beliefs and self-sabotage patterns so that you start creating an inspiring vision of your future dream career. Also, learn how to implement the 4-step game plan our clients use to create a career they look forward to every day and a solid plan to achieve it. Watch the free Masterclass right here: https://bit.ly/purposedrivencareerwebinar

2. Download my “Purpose Driven Career Quiz” workbook if you're struggling to figure out what you want to do next career-wise, then download the new workbook "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" to see just how far (or how close!) you are to landing a purpose-driven career! https://www.go.koriburkholder.com/quiz

3. Join our FREE Purpose Driven Careers Facebook Group and connect with other driven professionals learning how to make an impact, earn an income, and create the freedom they desire in their life and career: https://www.facebook.com/groups/purposedrivencareers

4. Work with me privately: If you’d like to work directly with me to build the career of your dreams... schedule your complimentary Career Strategy Breakthrough Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding and landing your dream role and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Apply for your FREE call with me here: https://www.go.koriburkholder.com/breakthrough-call

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