Progress over Perfection: Attaining Goals with Self-Compassion

This informal CPD article,' Progress over Perfection: Attaining Goals with Self-Compassion’, was provided by iGROW CorpHealth, partnering with Corporates to drive Employee Engagement through Holistic Health Solutions.

As the weeks of the new year unfold and you set your goals in motion, do you catch yourself thinking, I should be further along by now or I’m not doing enough? Don’t worry. Everyone’s been there. BUT you shouldn’t be stuck there. As you work your way towards your goals, remember to embrace the process with self-compassion.

Self-compassion plays a vital role in how we navigate setbacks, maintain motivation, and continue striving toward our goals. Instead of perfectionism, which can lead to anxiety and avoidance, a self-compassionate approach allows for mistakes, adjustments, and growth while keeping you on track. Employees who are more self-compassionate are not only more resilient but also make better progress on their goals (1).

So, how can you inch closer to your goals without being too hard on yourself? Let’s explore how self-compassion and progress go hand in hand.

Don’t Hold Yourself Back with the Perfectionism Trap

Many professionals fall into the perfectionism trap, believing that relentless self-criticism leads to higher achievement. But is this necessarily true?

Proving otherwise, a study found that employees with perfectionistic concerns (i.e., worrying about making mistakes, setting excessively high standards) often experienced performance anxiety and struggled with completing tasks (2).

Whenever perfectionism dominates one’s mindset, it leads to a cycle of thinking characterized by:

  • Avoidance of challenges (If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all).
  • Fear of making mistakes (What if I fail?).
  • Burnout from overworking (I just need to push harder).

On the other hand, employees with perfectionistic strivings (i.e., setting high but flexible goals) reported higher workloads but more sustainable performance. The key difference? Those who had self-compassion were able to set high goals while giving themselves room to learn, adapt, and move forward without paralyzing self-criticism. Essentially, self-compassion offers a way to stay ambitious while also staying emotionally resilient.

Staying on Track without Burning Out

To be fair, embracing self-compassion is not as simple as it sounds. In a society where everything seems to be set at a higher standard, perfectionism and self-criticism are the ways to go. So here are some simple yet impactful steps for you to make meaningful progress while maintaining your well-being:

  • Use Gratitude Journals: Reflect on what you have achieved so far, rather than only focusing on what’s left to do. This helps maintain motivation and prevents discouragement.
  • Practice Breathing Exercises: When perfectionist tendencies creep in, take a moment to reset with deep breathing, which reduces stress and enhances focus.
  • Break Goals into Steps: If a goal feels overwhelming, divide it into smaller, attainable steps. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
  • Normalize Setbacks as Part of Growth: Instead of thinking, I failed, reframe it as, This is part of the learning process, and I’m improving with each step.

  • Seek Support When Needed: Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, or a leadership program, having a support system makes goal-setting more sustainable.

    Sustainable Success: Progress Over Perfection

    The start of the year was about setting goals—now, it’s about moving toward those goals in a way that is sustainable, motivating, and self-compassionate. You don’t have to force yourself forward. Some months will be better than others. Some goals will stay, some will go, and some will change. And that’s okay. What matters is that you continue to move forward with kindness and a commitment to learning and growth.

    We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iGROW CorpHealth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.

     

    REFERENCES:

    (1) https://hbr.org/2022/02/to-reach-your-goals-embrace-self-compassion?registration=success

    (2) https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-85341-001