Is Perfectionism holding you back in your Pilates business?

Here’s the truth - I am a card carrying Perfectionist. Ex dancer. High achiever, you get the drift.

Although I have worked hard on letting go of the worst of this trait, I still find myself veering towards it in times of stress or indecision. One thing I’ve noticed about other Studio Owners, is that I’m not alone in this. Many of us come from high achieving backgrounds and there’s a sense of self worth that we’ve developed around perfectionism that props us up and motivates us into action (sometimes).

And of course, there’s nothing wrong with having high standards, but when those standards stop us from making decisions in our business for fear of not being good enough, we create this loop of indecision borne from the fear of failure and then the nagging feeling that we’re not good enough BECAUSE we can’t move forward in our business.

Double Edged Sword: Phew. Exhausting.

Instead of berating ourselves about not being able to move quickly past our perfectionist tendencies, I’m going to challenge you to a reframe: Not all perfectionist tendencies lead to poor outcomes. Let’s take a look at the Dark side vs Light side of this personality trait:

The ‘light side’ of perfectionism:

1) Your standards are high - You deliver quality in your business and in your teaching

2) Your attention to detail is through the roof - Subtle cues and your client’s moods don’t escape you

3) You’re intrinsically motivated - Outside praise is nice, but personal growth is where you find satisfaction

4) You are committed and reliable - Your teachers and clients can count on you

5) You are focused - Your ability to concentrate and find flow in your business and teaching can’t be matched.

The darker side:

On the flip side (the ‘Upside Down’ - Anyone looking forward to the next installment of Stranger Things?) is the dark side of Perfectionism. How is it showing up for you?

1) Fear of failure: Starting projects, but never bringing them to fruition for fear that they’re not good enough

2) Procrastination: Never getting that website fully finished because it is’t perfect enough

3) Rumination: Agonising over Social Media Content (this one I know well!)

4) Self criticism: Being afraid of raising prices because you don’t feel that you deserve it (even though there’s other people with less experience charging more than you)

5) Comparing yourself to your ‘much more accomplished peers’ - Which results in you not putting yourself out there as a leader in the industry for fear of being judged.

6) Being afraid to ask for the sale after a client has finished their intro package and wants to continue.

7) ‘Overcooking’ everything you do - aka - you over work and over prepare for every small scenario.

8) You avoid feedback - seeing yourself as imperfect is too much for your world view.

Making mistakes is a normal, some would argue, essential part of being in business. In fact, if we’re not failing sometimes, are we really moving outside our comfort zone enough? This realisation has helped me move forward in my business, allowing myself more grace in the interim. And what is perfection anyway but an unattainable idea that we put in front of ourselves to keep ourselves small. Don’t forget, the work we do is important: we help people move better and feel better with Pilates - they aren’t looking for perfection (because let’s face it, they can go and do a Pilates class in front of a screen these days anyway) they are looking for a HUMAN that understands them and is invested in their wellbeing.

That’s you.

So before you hesitate to put yourself out there, launch that new offering or put up that social media post, remember what you do, who you are, and how you help people. Give yourself some grace and take one step forward today.

If you need help with your mindset, then take a look at my new coaching Program - From Burnout to Balance. One of the 5 pillars of the program is MINDSET - overcoming things that are holding you back in your business. Let me help you move past you self limiting talk into a THRIVING Pilates business you love and supports your lifestyle.

Yours in health,

Kim