The Perfectionist's Trap: Why "Good Enough" Is Your New Superpower
Break free from the cycle of self-criticism by embracing progress over unattainable perfection.
Hello BAE Community Members,
This Tuesday, let's talk about a quiet but powerful force that often drives us, yet can also hold us captive: Perfectionism.
As Business Analysts, we're hardwired for precision. We thrive on clarity, detail, and ensuring every requirement is flawless, every process flow is airtight, every document impeccable.
This drive for excellence is a tremendous asset—it's what makes us great at our jobs.
But what happens when that drive for perfection spills over, becoming a relentless internal critic that constantly demands more, even when you've given your absolute best?
It's that feeling of never quite being satisfied, always seeing the tiny flaw, the potential for improvement, even when others are praising your work. You know you've delivered, but inside, a voice whispers, "It could have been better."
The BA's Perfectionist Paradox
Our profession, with its emphasis on meticulous detail, stakeholder satisfaction, and often being the final quality gatekeeper for requirements, can inadvertently fuel this perfectionist tendency.
We fear missing something crucial, making an error that could have project ramifications.
So, we polish, we review, we second-guess, often long past the point of diminishing returns…
I've witnessed this exhaustion, and lived it myself. The endless cycles of review, the hesitation to declare a task "done," the internal pressure to deliver something so flawless it feels impossible to achieve.
This isn't about being thorough; it's about being trapped by an unattainable standard, and it leaves the person behind the professional feeling perpetually exhausted and inadequate.
It’s the silent toll of never quite being "enough," even when your work is objectively outstanding. This drive, while well-intentioned, can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, and a constant undercurrent of self-criticism.
Embracing the Power of "Good Enough"
The liberating truth is that in the dynamic world of business analysis, progress often trumps perfection. "Good enough"—especially for preliminary drafts, internal communications, or iterative deliverables—isn't a sign of laziness; it's a strategic superpower. It means you're prioritizing value delivery, embracing iteration, and trusting your competence to refine as needed.
Embracing "good enough" is an act of profound self-compassion.
It acknowledges that you are human, that your best is truly enough, and that your worth isn't contingent on flawless output.
It frees up mental energy, reduces stress, and allows you to move forward with confidence, rather than being stuck in an endless loop of self-correction.
You are brilliant even in your imperfections. And by allowing yourself to be "good enough," you give yourself the permission to truly shine.
Practical Action: The "80% Rule Experiment"
For one non-critical task this week (e.g., drafting an internal email, creating a simple diagram for discussion, preparing initial meeting notes), consciously aim for "good enough" (around 80% perfect). Deliver it, and then resist the urge to over-polish. Observe how it feels, and if the outcome is still effective.
All the best,
Esta
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