What Is The 80/20 Rule For Perfectionism? - Here's How It Can Help

The 80/20 rule is a coping skill for perfectionism

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, is a powerful technique to help overcome the tireless impulses of perfectionism. It emphasizes that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. For example, if you dedicate an hour (60 minutes) to a task, the first 12 minutes (20% of the time) will likely yield 80% of the results. The key takeaway is that the more time and effort you put into something, the less effective you become, often leading to self-doubt and anxiety. (Thanks, anxiety 😔...)

This principle helps us focus on what truly matters and avoid the trap of diminishing returns. It’s a reminder that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress and productivity.

How the 80/20 rule helped me

I’ve struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember, and when combined with my perfectionist tendencies, even the simplest tasks became overwhelming. Tasks that should have taken minutes would stretch into hours, leaving me frustrated and my boss unimpressed. I knew I had control issues, but it wasn’t until I was assigned an important client project that I realized I needed to change.

For example, when drafting emails for VIP clients, I would spend hours obsessing over the wording, rewriting drafts late into the night, only to feel paralyzed by self-doubt. Perfectionism was drowning me, preventing me from sharing my ideas and making me ineffective. A friend introduced me to the 80/20 rule, and while it didn’t work overnight, it changed my perspective over time. By focusing on the principle, I learned to prioritize what truly mattered and approach tasks with a healthier mindset.

5 Reasons why perfectionism is the enemy of progress

Perfectionism may seem like a positive trait, but it often undermines our mental health and creates unnecessary obstacles. Here’s why perfectionism can be more of a hindrance than an asset:

• 1) It increases procrastination - Perfectionists often delay tasks because they fear not meeting their own high standards.
• 2) It leads to disappointment - Unrealistic expectations set perfectionists up for failure, as no one can excel at everything immediately.
• 3) It amplifies stress and anxiety - Perfectionism and anxiety feed off each other, creating a vicious cycle of self-doubt.
• 4) It prevents satisfaction - Perfectionists rarely feel content with their achievements, always believing they could have done better.
• 5) It fosters criticism of others - High standards often extend to others, making perfectionists overly critical and difficult to please.

They say 80% is good enough, but is it really?

Quantifying results with figures like 80% can be helpful for some, but for others, it may trigger feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. For me, focusing on percentages brought back memories of high school, where I constantly worried about grades and performance. While some people thrive on evaluating their efforts numerically, others find it uncomfortable.

The truth is, the "right" percentage depends on what works for you. Whether you aim for 70%, 80%, or even 90%, the most important thing is to feel proud of your efforts and the progress you make. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing your best and recognizing your achievements.

What do perfectionists do when they fail?

Perfectionists often struggle to cope with failure because they equate their worth with their achievements. The more they strive for perfection, the further they feel from it. This mindset can lead to frustration, stress, and even depression. However, embracing imperfection is key to finding happiness and fulfillment.

Here are some common traits of perfectionists when they fail:

• Guilt: They blame themselves for not meeting their own unrealistic expectations.
• Pessimism: They focus on what went wrong rather than what went right.
• Obsession: They replay their mistakes over and over, unable to let go.

Perfectionism often leads to rigidity and a lack of spontaneity, making it difficult to enjoy life’s imperfections. To overcome perfectionism, it’s essential to recognize that striving for perfection is not the path to happiness. Instead, focus on progress, self-acceptance, and celebrating your unique qualities.

How to overcome perfectionism with the 80/20 rule

The 80/20 rule can be a powerful tool for breaking free from the cycle of perfectionism. Here’s how you can apply it in your daily life:

1. Prioritize what truly matters

Identify the tasks or aspects of a project that will have the most significant impact. Focus your energy on these key areas rather than trying to perfect every detail.

2. Set realistic goals

Perfectionists often set unattainable goals, leading to frustration and burnout. Break down your tasks into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each milestone.

3. Embrace imperfection

Remind yourself that no one is perfect, and that’s okay. Imperfections make us unique and add character to our work and lives. Strive for progress, not perfection.

4. Limit your time on tasks

Set a time limit for each task to prevent overthinking and overworking. Once the time is up, move on to the next task, trusting that you’ve done your best.

5. Reflect on your achievements

Take time to acknowledge and appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Recognize that your efforts are valuable, even if they don’t meet your idealized standards.

Final thoughts

Perfectionism can feel like an endless pursuit, but the 80/20 rule offers a practical way to break free from its grip. By focusing on what truly matters, setting realistic goals, and embracing imperfection, you can reduce stress and find greater satisfaction in your work and life. Remember, progress is more important than perfection, and your worth is not defined by your achievements.

Learning to let go of perfectionism is a journey, but it’s one that leads to greater happiness, productivity, and self-acceptance. Start small, apply the 80/20 rule, and watch as your perspective—and your life—begins to change for the better.

Be sure to read these articles too;

• The 333 rule for anxiety
• 6 Techniques to cope with anxiety
• What is separation anxiety?