It’s easy to watch shows like Mad Men and on the surface think figures like Don Draper are cool. They’re respected in their field, they always have the quick-witted zinger, and they know how to bring solutions to almost any dramatic quandary. But not only do these shows demonstrate that even the “cleanest customer” will have personal flaws, but that figures such as this are rarely real in the first place. Even international leaders can make mistakes and look silly from time to time, and that in itself shows becoming the perfect professional is nigh-on impossible.

So, why would you try to be? Well, because selling your business, gaining investment, and trying to compete in a tough world isn’t easy, and requires us to be on top form. But what if your willingness to let go of professional inauthenticity and a desire to be perfect could actually help you?

Well, in this post we’ll discuss some reasons for why thinking along such lines might not be so silly after all. Without further ado, let’s discuss why you shouldn’t try to be a perfect professional at all:

Don’t Remove Your Personality From Your Profession

Your personality is what makes you unique and interesting. It’s okay to let some of that shine through in your work. People often connect better with those who seem, well, real and not like a corporate robot. This doesn’t mean oversharing or being inappropriate of course, but rather finding a balance. 

Maybe it’s sharing a funny story in a meeting or showing enthusiasm for a project, either way your personality can be an asset, and help you build relationships and stand out in a good way. Remember that clients and colleagues often appreciate working with real people, not just a fake person, especially if you’re running your own enterprise.

Trust In Your Unique Voice

Don’t try to copy someone else’s style just because it seems more “professional,” no matter how many business blogs you read. Your own voice and approach can be just as effective, if not more so because it belongs to you. 

It might take some time to find confidence in your own style of course, but it’s worth it. Your unique way of thinking could lead to a solution no one else thought of, or help you connect with clients in a way others can’t. It’s okay if your approach is different from your colleagues as long as you keep that professional respect, too.

Accept Your Flaws While Still Working On Them

Nobody’s perfect, and that’s actually a good thing. It makes the world more interesting. Recognizing your weaknesses doesn’t make you less professional. In fact, being aware of areas where you can improve shows maturity and self-awareness. For example, you might have skill gaps when launching a business (as everyone does) and so intend to use Chesterman Accounting & CPA Firm to get started and outsource that bookkeeping effort.

The real is to accept these flaws without letting them hold you back and frustrate you. Work on improving, but don’t beat yourself up over mistakes either, as this can only cause problems.. Maybe public speaking makes you nervous, or you struggle with time management. Once you’ve accepted that, you can begin the process of learning and developing.

Don’t Try To Be Everything To Everyone

It’s tempting to want to please everyone, but it’s not realistic or healthy to do so at all. Trying to be all things to all people often leads to stress and burnout and a sense of bitterness, because you’re having to fake who you are at work.

Instead, just try to focus on your strengths and what you do best. It’s okay to say no to tasks or projects that don’t align with your skills or goals unless otherwise contracted to do them. 

Take Some Time For Yourself

Working hard is important of course,  but so is taking care of yourself. Making time for rest and relaxation isn’t lazy; it’s necessary for long-term success. For example, some bosses might imply you’re not working hard enough if you don’t come in on weekends, but you’re entitled to your own rest.

Burnout is a real risk when you’re always pushing yourself to be “perfect,” so don’t! Just focus on doing what you’re expected to as well as you can, push forward when you have something to offer, and then rest and recover and focus on life. If you work to live instead of living to work, you tend to come out the other side feeling much more authentic.

With this advice, you’ll be sure to avoid the “perfect professional” ideal which was never true to begin with.