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Tales of a Recovering Perfectionist
Why is it so hard sometimes to let others do things for you? This has been a struggle for me as a woman who is capable of getting things done. Working in a fast-paced setting as an administrator and then running a household has made me self-sufficient and independent. I am like many career women with families. We can bring home the bacon and then feel obligated to also fry it up in the pan. This tale ends with coffee, not bacon, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself.
Help Wanted (Perfectionist Need Only Apply)
So, I am guilty of a pastime that baffles the minds of others (especially my husband). I am the one who talks about having a lot of things to do and wanting help, but then I just do it myself because “no one will do it as well as I will.” My problem was allowing others to do things for me because I wanted them done “right.” I always said I wanted help, but I would first have to give you all of the instructions on how to get it done, monitor your progress, and then provide a thorough evaluation of your performance. My perfectionism had me stressed, tired, and overextended.
I also adopted this same approach at work. When I attended meetings, I would volunteer for projects and tasks to get things done. If I had a project, I approached it as if I did not have a team of people to call on to move the…
