You Don’t Need to be Perfect
As nurses, the well-being of our patients depends on our precision and accuracy. However, when it comes to running our own business, the pursuit of perfection can be a double-edged sword.
First, is there really such a thing as perfection or are you setting yourself up for an unrealistic expectation? Remember when we first became nurses and hit the floor? We were neither competent nor perfect! We needed the assistance of the mentor to help us through everything.
The nice thing about being a business owner is that, unlike with nursing, patient lives are not at stake. Here is why perfectionism does not work as a business owner.
Perfectionism creates an overwhelming pressure, you’re no longer caring for patients but, instead, you are managing finances, marketing, operations and more. Trying to excel in every area simultaneously can lead to anxiety and a quick burnout.
You’re not going to be good at all these areas from the get-go. It takes time just like your first day as a nurse when you were acquiring your nursing “sea legs.”
Perfectionism does not work because it slows down your progress. When you are a perfectionist, you don’t readily take action because you want to make sure that it’s perfect! Perfectionism is a place to hide and keeps you small, so you never actually get your business off the ground.
As a perfectionist, there is a fear of failure where, “If I don’t get it perfect, I may fail!” Yet, there are no failures in business; there are only learning experiences. Setbacks along the way are valuable learning opportunities which help you grow and improve.
Perfectionism can stifle creativity and innovation. As nursing is an evidence-based practice, however, with business, many approaches may work with some may work better than others. But when you’re a perfectionist, your creativity can be repressed.
Being a perfectionist can blur the boundaries between work and personal life because you tend to overwork to make sure that it is perfect. This may lead to burnout and affect your health.
As perfectionists, we set unrealistic expectations not only for ourselves but also set high standards that can negatively impact our team and our customer relationships. You might appear unapproachable and overly critical. Clients need to know, like, and trust you before they hire you. Therefore, being authentic and transparent is much more endearing than trying to hold yourself to an unattainable standard of perfection.
As a perfectionist, you can also miss opportunities because as a business owner, there is some degree of risk and fear of imperfection holding you back. As a nurse business owner, we are always lifelong learners. Embracing imperfection encourages the mindset of continuous learning and adaptation.
It is profoundly important to find joy and fulfillment in your work. Perfectionism is “a thief of joy” and can adversely impact your journey as a nurse business owner. Therefore, while perfectionism may have its place in healthcare, it doesn’t necessarily translate to the world of nursing entrepreneurship.
Embracing imperfection does not mean compromising on quality or professionalism. Instead, it means allowing yourself the grace to learn, adapt and grow without the relentless pursuit of being perfect.
Strive to be perfectly imperfect. By doing so, you can build a successful nursing business that thrives while nurturing your own well-being and satisfaction along the way. Remember, you are not just a nurse, you are a nurse business owner.
And that journey is beautiful in its imperfection.
