For many of us, imperfection feels like something to fix – we apologise for it, hide it, or work harder to cover it up. But what if imperfection wasn’t a flaw – what if it was a gift?

Perfectionism is often misunderstood. It’s not just about wanting things done well – it’s about tying our self-worth to how well we do them. And while striving for excellence can drive performance, perfectionism can quietly drain energy, erode confidence, and limit growth.

The truth about perfectionism

Research suggests that perfectionism isn’t a single trait but actually falls into three distinct types:

• Self-oriented perfectionism – setting excessively high standards for ourselves.
• Socially prescribed perfectionism – believing others expect perfection from us.
• Other-oriented perfectionism – placing unrealistically high expectations on those around us.

In our Elevate session poll, 60% of participants recognised two or more of these types in themselves – a reminder that perfectionism is rarely one-dimensional. It’s often a blend of patterns, shaped by personality, culture, and environment.

Why understanding matters

Here’s where it gets tricky – when we misdiagnose what’s really going on, we take the wrong action.

Someone who believes they’re struggling with self-discipline might actually be battling self-criticism. Another who thinks they need to “push harder” may, in fact, need to let go more.

It’s tempting to jump straight to the how – how to be less of a perfectionist, how to let go, how to be okay with ‘good enough’. But the how only works when we truly understand the why. Awareness always comes first.

The gift in imperfection

When we start to see imperfection not as a weakness but as a signal – a cue that we’re human, learning, and growing – something shifts. Imperfection allows us to connect more deeply with others, to lead with authenticity, and to create space for innovation.

Perfection isolates. Imperfection connects.

That’s the gift.

If this resonates with you, have a look at our upcoming sessions to see how we can help to unlock – and elevate – the potential in your workplaces.

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