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. The pressure to do everything yourself can lead to burnout, frustration, and even decreased productivity over time. 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. When done correctly, delegation allows you to focus on high-priority tasks while also empowering those around you to develop their own skills and confidence.
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. Recognizing that overloading yourself does not equate to being productive is an essential mindset shift. 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. For instance, if you are working on a large report, you can delegate research or data collection to a colleague while focusing on structuring and refining the final draft.
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. Instead of focusing on whether someone can complete a task exactly as you would, focus on their ability to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Over time, you may even find that some people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
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. It’s also helpful to provide context so they understand why the task is important. People are more likely to be invested in their work when they see the bigger picture. Communicating clearly will not only make it easier to complete the task, but 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. Rather than evaluating a task solely based on its outcome, consider how smoothly the process went and whether it freed up valuable time for you to focus on other important responsibilities.
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. A helpful question to ask yourself is: “Does this meet the necessary requirements?” rather than “Is this exactly how I would have done it?” Accepting different approaches can help ease the anxiety that often accompanies delegation.
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. Checking in occasionally is fine, but excessive monitoring can send the message that you don’t trust the person handling the task. 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. Remind yourself that perfection is not required for progress. Learning to accept “good enough” can be a liberating experience.
Conclusion
Delegating tasks will go a long way toward breaking free from unrealistic expectations and avoidable anxiety. As you begin to see the benefits of delegation, you may notice an improvement in your mental well-being, productivity, and work-life balance. As you begin to delegate and see positive outcomes, you’ll find that sharing the load brings relief, 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. The more you practice, the easier it will become to trust others with responsibilities, allowing you to focus on tasks that align with your strengths and goals.
To learn more about managing perfectionism and anxiety, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you develop practical strategies for managing stress and letting go of unrealistic expectations. Contact us or schedule an appointment with one of our anxiety disorder specialists today.
