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HBR
HBR
11M ago 126 views

How High Standards Can Hinder Success

The article explores the paradox of how maintaining excessively high standards can sometimes obstruct personal and professional success. It discusses the psychological and practical implications of perfectionism and offers strategies for balancing ambition with realistic expectations.
How High Standards Can Hinder Success
A What happened
The article explores the paradox of how maintaining excessively high standards can sometimes obstruct personal and professional success. It discusses the psychological and practical implications of perfectionism and offers strategies for balancing ambition with realistic expectations.

Key insights

  • 1

    The Perfectionism Trap

    Perfectionism can lead to procrastination and burnout as individuals become overwhelmed by their own expectations, delaying or avoiding tasks due to fear of not meeting their own high standards.

  • 2

    Impact on Professional Relationships

    High standards can strain professional relationships, as colleagues may feel pressured or inadequate around a perfectionist, leading to tension and decreased collaboration.

  • 3

    Balancing Standards with Flexibility

    Finding a balance between maintaining high standards and accepting imperfections can lead to more sustainable success. Flexibility and adaptability are key in managing expectations and achieving goals.

Read the full article on HBR