Break down projects
... into manageable tasks.
This way, you're armed with a set of concrete actions to take rather a vague cloud of high expectations.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
To-do lists can help perfectionists move past our paralysis. They may find making a list to be a reassuring guide to their day.
But there's also a risk: to-do lists can backfire if they become yet another report card we perfectionists use to evaluate ourselves too harshly.
... rather than all subsequent steps.
Focusing only on the next action gives you permission to work on something even if you don’t have it all figured out—which is crucial to completing tasks that in the past have left you paralyzed.
... by designating A, B, C, and F Tasks.
- A tasks: These are what you’ll give most of your time and energy to. Work on these during the time of day when you have the most energy and focus.
- B tasks: Leave these tasks for lower energy times of day or batch them together on a particular day later in the week.
- C tasks: These are tasks that you’ll want to give the least of your energy to.
- F tasks: Try to delegate or automate these tasks as much as possible.
Assign your tasks a time limit to force yourself to not get lost in perfecting each and every detail.
Often, perfectionists bite off more than we can chew — one consequence of not prioritizing.
... rather than outcome goals.
We often become so focused on the end result of a project that we don’t appreciate and enjoy (or ever really get started on) the process.
The satisfaction of small wins keeps us intrinsically motivated.
RELATED IDEAS
- Take note of when you’re ruminating and what triggers it until you can see your patterns and find ways to counteract them.
- Don't trust your first reaction when ruminating. Most of the time, it colors negatively your read of the situation.
- Seek a diversion to break the rumination cycle.
- Think positively: remembering your successes and times you tried new things helps you to not be avoidant of tasks you can’t do perfectly.
'Eat the Frog' is an excellent productivity method for putting your highlight into action early.
It is often the task we most want to avoid (therefore, eating the frog). It could be a task that feels too big or makes us uncomfortable. During your planning session, put your "frog" at the top of your to-do list and assign a time. Then add your other tasks below.