Find Time to Beat Perfection Paralysis With Some Simple Questions

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

Find Time to Beat Perfection Paralysis With Some Simple Questions

Posted on April 7, 2009, under Time Choices.

Finding time to get yourself moving when what I call ‘Perfection Paralysis’ has you stuck is as simple as a few clear, direct questions. Really … read on!

Perfection Paralysis is an immobilization that is based in perfectionism – a tendency that many of us suffer from to varying degrees. Perfectionism can eat up large amounts of your time, inhibit your creativity, hobble your follow-through and decision-making, and put a big damper on your general productivity.

Perfectionism is rooted in the inner critic – a voice that many of us are all too familiar with. Countering this voice with some reasonable questions (in your adult voice) can be very clarifying and grounding. They can give you the traction to get moving when you’re mired in Perfection Paralysis!

As featured in last week’s Finding Time E-zine, here’s a Finding Time Tip and Action Step to try:

Tip: Perfection paralysis can be overcome with logical questions.

Action Step: Next time you say, “But it’s still not perfect,” ask yourself:

What is perfect to you?

What will benefit you more, perfection or overall productivity?

How would your project appear to an impartial observer?

Being a perfectionist can paralyze your ability to move forward. You may feel like it protects you from criticism but, as essential as it may feel in the moment, perfectionism keeps you from maximizing your potential.

To further clarify the roots of your perfectionism, try asking yourself these additional questions:

What are you trying to make up for by being perfect?
What does it cover up?
What does it protect you from?

What patterns do you discover?

As you confront perfectionism (and its roots) with clear, direct, friendly questions, you’ll begin to see its power dissipate. That’s because it’s illusory. You hold the power to get yourself moving. It’s simple and doable. Give it a try … and I invite you to write a comment – I’d love to hear about your experiences!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! For more Time Finding resources, you are invited to sign up and download The New Finding Time Boundary Template. It’s FREE, and when you sign up you will also receive (if you don’t already) my FREE, weekly Finding Time Tips and my FREE, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!

Let’s explore time together …

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