# Signs that perfectionism is holding you back Perfectionism can manifest in various ways, often subtle enough to go unnoticed until they significantly impact your productivity, life, and success. Common signs include chronic procrastination, as the fear of imperfection leads to task avoidance. You may find yourself unable to complete any important project or task because you set (consciously or not) unrealistically high standards. This leads to disappointment, frustration, and in severe cases, burnout. The inability to celebrate achievements, no matter how significant, is another telltale sign, as you might tend to focus on what could have been better, instead of appreciating what has been accomplished. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards breaking free from this "illness". I have had such tendencies for decades now. And I know exactly where it came from: insecurities, low self-esteem, and [[Impostor syndrome]]. Those have developed through constant criticism I received from my dad when I was a teenager, and because I was extremely shy. In a way, this pushed me forward in life. It forced me to try and remain "perfect" in the eyes of everyone. I had a visceral fear of being judged, even though there was not much to be afraid of. I needed to stay "invisible" in a way, and the only way I could achieve that was by doing everything as perfectly as I could, always remaining "in control", no matter how hard and exhausting it was. No wonder I came so close to a severe burnout. More recently, through my startup project failure, I've also realized how damaging it had become for me. That's also why I'm writing this today; to share my own experience of this illness. ## Related - [[Signs that you are falling into the trap of perfectionism]] - [[Overcoming Perfectionism - How to Break Free from the Enemy of Progress (Article)]]