Learning to delegate may be the first step in breaking the perfectionism cycle. The good thing about being a perfectionist is that you are committed to excellence. However, a drawback to being a perfectionist is that you may be setting unrealistic standards for yourself. While the former can motivate you, the latter is a perfect recipe for self-doubt, stress, and anxiety. Battling anxiety and perfectionism is quite challenging; you are afraid to make mistakes and don’t want to do an imperfect job. So, why not let others do it for you?
Delegating tasks, which is entrusting others to share the workload, is a skill that may seem daunting for perfectionists. However, learning to delegate effectively is a crucial step in managing both perfectionism and the anxiety that comes with it.
Learning to Delegate as a Perfectionist
Although there is no fixed manual on how to delegate, these tips can help you get started. And before you know it, you will be able to share tasks and responsibilities.
Acknowledge Your Limits
The first thing you need to do is acknowledge your limits. Acknowledging your limits will help you understand the need to delegate. You are human, and there are limits to what you can achieve on your own. Besides, not all tasks require your expertise. Learn to focus on the tasks that do and delegate the ones that do not.
Start Small
Arrange your tasks according to priority and outsource the less important tasks to others. At the same time, split a big project into parts and delegate the smaller, less critical parts while focusing on the most crucial parts. Doing this can help you build confidence in the delegation process and stay calm.
Delegate to Trusted Individuals
As a perfectionist, you most likely know the strengths and weaknesses of others. So, when delegating, select individuals you can trust. These individuals do not have to be perfect; they just need to perform well. Knowing that you are working with capable individuals can ease your anxiety about the outcome of tasks.
Communicate Clearly
When delegating tasks and responsibilities, endeavor to communicate the instructions clearly. Ask the other person if they understand. Furthermore, let them know they are free to ask questions. Communicating clearly will not make it easier to complete the task. It will also lead to the task being completed the way you want.
Focus on the Progress
Another way to delegate is to focus on the task’s progress. Don’t anticipate the results immediately. You should shift your goals from flawless outcomes and celebrate small successes and incremental improvements.
Set Realistic Standards
Remember that not everyone will complete a task as you would. Thus, you should understand that the result of the task may not match your idea of perfection. However, that does not mean the result is useless. The result can still be valuable and practical. Focus on the positive and adjust your standards accordingly.
Delegate and Let Go
As a perfectionist, you may struggle to let go when trying to delegate. Hence, you will need to trust yourself and others. Once you’ve delegated a task, resist the urge to micromanage. Believe in your decision to delegate and allow others the space to contribute. You never know. Others may surpass your expectations.
Practice Self-Compassion
Learning to delegate as a perfectionist is a gradual process. Delegating may not be easy initially. Remember to be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Those you delegate to will perform better in later tasks.
Conclusion
Delegating tasks will go a long way toward breaking free from unrealistic expectations and unsolicited anxiety. As you begin to delegate and see positive outcomes, you’ll find that sharing the load brings relief and a sense of accomplishment and growth. In addition, you’ll worry less about tasks and responsibilities while gaining more time for yourself.
Always reflect on the process after a task is completed to nail the delegation process. Ask yourself the following questions: What went well? What could be improved? Then, use these insights to refine your delegation skills over time.
To learn more about managing perfectionism and anxiety, contact us or schedule an appointment with one of our anxiety disorder specialists today.
