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Perfectionism, sometimes considered a virtue, can hold someone back from reaching their full potential. It is a detrimental trait that makes a person overthink some things and stops them from achieveing their goal.

Here are some signs that a person is struggling with perfectionism.

1. Procrastination

One telltale sign that perfectionism is acting as a barrier is persistent procrastination. When individuals set unrealistically high standards for themselves, the fear of not meeting these standards can lead to avoidance behaviors. This habit of procrastination is linked to the fear of failure, a type of anxiety that hinders productivity and causes unnecessary stress.

2. Self-criticism

Perfectionists often possess a keen eye for detail, but this can spiral into hyper-criticism. Constantly berating oneself for perceived shortcomings can have adverse effects on mental health. Excessive self-criticism is linked to increased levels of stress hormones, contributing to a negative cycle that impedes personal and professional growth and development.

3. Obsession with details

While attention to detail is commendable, an obsession with the smallest details can impede progress. This behavior can also be associated with a phenomenon known as analysis paralysis. The excessive focus on details can lead to overthinking and indecision, preventing individuals from taking necessary actions.

4. Inability to delegate

Perfectionists often struggle to delegate tasks, believing they alone can meet their high standards. They believe that if they want something done right, they have to do it themselves.

This reluctance to delegate is linked to a fear of losing control. However, research suggests that effective delegation is a key component of successful leadership, which allows individuals -- particularly managers and business owners -- to leverage the strengths of a team.

5. Indecisiveness

Decision making can be challenging for perfectionists. This difficulty stems from the fear of making the wrong choice. Perfectionism can be correlated with decisional procrastination, preventing individuals from moving forward and achieving their goals.