3 Signs Your Perfectionism Is Hurting Your Career in Columbia, MO
The truth is that in our society, perfectionism is often praised. It helps you succeed in demanding fields like medicine, academia, and business. In Columbia, Missouri—where professionals at MU Health, the University of Missouri, and local hospitals and research centers work at the highest levels—perfectionism can feel like the engine that drives your success.
But there’s a tipping point. What once motivated you can start holding you back. Instead of fueling achievement, perfectionism begins creating stress, exhaustion, and frustration.
At Aspire Counseling, we work with high-achieving professionals across mid-Missouri who struggle with this exact dynamic. Here are three signs your perfectionism may be hurting your career.
How Do You Know If Perfectionism Causes Decision Paralysis?
One clear sign is decision paralysis. When every choice has to be the “perfect” one, decisions start to feel overwhelming.
Physicians at MU Health may second-guess treatment decisions that require nuance rather than clear protocols.
Professors might put off submitting research because they can’t guarantee flawless methodology.
Executives may delay launching new initiatives because every risk feels unacceptable.
This paralysis slows progress and increases stress. Over time, it erodes confidence.
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we work on building psychological flexibility so you can take effective action even when uncertainty exists. You learn to notice perfectionistic thoughts without being ruled by them, and to move forward based on your values instead of fear.
For more on this dynamic, see our guide: ACT for High Achievers: Why Perfectionism Keeps You Stuck.
What Does Work Anxiety Look Like for High Achievers in Columbia?
Another sign perfectionism is taking a toll is work anxiety. For many professionals, it doesn’t look like panic attacks or obvious worry. Instead, it shows up as:
Endless mental rehearsals before meetings.
Procrastination that looks like “over-preparing.”
Trouble sleeping before major deadlines.
Difficulty shutting off work thoughts on drives down Providence or Stadium Boulevard.
Sometimes this blends into burnout—especially in high-demand fields like healthcare and academia. Understanding the difference matters. We cover this in Work Anxiety vs. Burnout: How to Tell the Difference and When to Get Help.
The truth is that many professionals in Columbia would describe themselves as “doing fine” on the outside while quietly struggling inside. This is sometimes called high-functioning anxiety and it is very closely related to perfectionism. Perfectionism is that part which drives you to work harder even when rest or delegation would be more effective. Over time, this depletes your energy and can compromise both performance and health.
ACT therapy helps by teaching grounding techniques and mindfulness practices to manage stress in real time. If you need practical strategies, try our blog: Grounding Techniques: 12 Simple Ways to Stay Present When Anxiety Takes Over.
Why Does Perfectionism Make Relationships Suffer?
A third red flag: relationships begin to erode.
High achievers often feel pressure to give 100% at work, leaving little left for family or friends. Spouses and children may feel like afterthoughts. Friendships can shift into networking, losing authenticity. Even colleagues may struggle if you can’t delegate or collaborate effectively.
This isn’t just a personal issue—it affects professional growth. Leadership roles require teamwork, balance, and relational skills. If perfectionism keeps you isolated, it limits your ability to advance.
At Aspire Counseling, our therapists use Internal Family Systems (IFS) and ACT to help professionals understand the “parts” of themselves that drive perfectionism. This work fosters healthier relationships both at work and at home. We explored one of these inner dynamics in The Part of You That Won’t Let You Rest (and Why It’s Trying to Help).
Learning to work with—not against—those parts helps you reclaim balance and improve your connections.
How Aspire Counseling Helps Columbia Professionals
At Aspire Counseling, we specialize in helping professionals in Columbia’s medical, academic, and business communities break free from perfectionism. Our ACT-trained therapists use evidence-based tools to help you:
Identify when perfectionism is driving your decisions.
Clarify your values so you can act in alignment with what matters most.
Practice mindfulness and grounding strategies that fit into a busy schedule.
Learn to balance high standards with flexibility for more sustainable success.
We also integrate EMDR therapy when past experiences fuel current perfectionism, and IFS therapy to work with critical inner voices.
Or, if you’re simply looking for a couple of practical steps you can use right now, we share 3 Everyday Practices for High-Achieving Professionals to Build Psychological Flexibility with ACT. These strategies can help you reduce stress and take values-based action even in the middle of a demanding day.
When Should You Consider Professional Help for Perfectionism?
If you notice decision paralysis, chronic work anxiety, or strained relationships, it may be time to seek support. Counseling can help you reclaim clarity and balance while still pursuing excellence.
You don’t have to choose between success and well-being. With the right support, you can have both.
Begin ACT Counseling for Professionals in Columbia, MO
If you’re a physician, professor, or high-achieving professional in Columbia, Aspire Counseling can help. Our therapists specialize in working with high performers who want to succeed without burning out.
We offer therapy in Columbia and online counseling across Missouri, making it easier to fit therapy into a demanding schedule.
Take the first step toward healthier success. Schedule a free consultation today.
About the Author
Jessica Oliver, LCSW, is the founder and clinical director of Aspire Counseling in Columbia, Missouri. She has built a respected group practice specializing in trauma, anxiety, and evidence-based care for professionals. Jessica has trained her team in ACT, IFS, and EMDR, ensuring Aspire’s clinicians have the tools to help Columbia’s physicians, academics, and leaders thrive.
Join Our Team of Missouri Counselors & Therapists
Aspire Counseling isn’t just a place for clients to grow—it’s also a supportive, empowering workplace for therapists. If you’re a clinician looking to do your best possible clinical work in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more on our Now Hiring page.
