When Doing Your Best Becomes Too Much
Perfectionism & Burnout
It was a crisp autumn morning, and I was staring blankly at my laptop, the sun streaming through the window, lighting up the clutter around me—unfinished projects, half-drunk coffee, a to-do list stretching to infinity.
I used to pride myself on my attention to detail. But that day? It felt like nothing was ever enough. No matter how hard I worked, I was drowning in exhaustion and still convinced I was falling short.
Sound familiar? If you’ve ever chased perfect only to land in burnout, you’re not alone.
Understanding the Perfectionism - Burnout Connection
Perfectionism wears a clever disguise - it looks like ambition, high standards, “just wanting to do your best.”
But underneath that polished exterior? It’s often driven by fear: fear of failure, fear of not being enough, fear of disappointing others. And that fear, when left unchecked, is one of burnout’s favorite fuels.
Here’s how it plays out:
You push yourself harder and harder, thinking “just a little more and I’ll finally feel good about myself.” But that moment of satisfaction never really comes. Instead, you raise the bar—again and again—until even your wins feel like a letdown.
Perfectionism tells you that rest is lazy. That good enough is never good enough. That unless it’s flawless, it’s worthless.
And when you live with that mindset day after day?
Burnout doesn’t just sneak in - it sets up camp.
It’s not that you’re doing too much.
It’s that you’re doing too much while believing you’re not enough.
Top 5 Signs Perfectionism - Burnout Connection 🔥
You’re your own worst critic. No matter how much you do, it’s never enough - and your inner voice? It’s ruthless in its judgements!
You avoid failure like the plague. You procrastinate or overthink every move, terrified one mistake will expose you.
You say “Yes” too much. Because saying no feels like letting people down … even if you’re running on fumes.
You’re emotionally fried. So much so that you’re snapping at the dog for drinking water too loud and crying over commercials. Your nervous system is screaming for rest.
You isolate. You stop reaching out, thinking you’ve got to “handle it all” alone. Spoiler Alert: You Don’t!
Breaking the Cycle: Your Next Steps ⛓️💥
Practice Self-Compassion: Start treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Acknowledge that it’s okay to be imperfect and that mistakes are natural part of growth.
Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on setting achievable goals. Break tasks into smaller steps and celebrate your progress along the way.
Learn to Say No: It’s okay to prioritize your own well-being. Saying no to additional commitments can free up time for self-care and help you recharge.
Create Boundaries: I will be a broken records on this topic now that I know the power of boundaries. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time! Allow yourself to disconnect and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it’s talking to a friend, a mentor, or a professional, sharing your struggles can lighten the load and provide fresh perspectives.
Closing with Soul 🕉️
Perfectionism will have you chasing approval like a hamster on a wheel — spinning fast, going nowhere and still feeling behind.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to prove your worth by overworking! You are already worthy before the checklist even started.
Take breath. Release the pressure. Reclaim your joy. You’re allowed to be human.
If this feel like “Damn why are you in my life right now?” know that it was my life and you’re not the only one. I see you — and this is exactly what we tackle in Burnout Recovery Coaching.
Let’s get off the perfectionism hamster wheel and back into a life that actually feel good.
Until next time…. take care.
Dr. Kat 🖤