When Nothing You Do Is Good Enough | Work Stress & Perfectionism

Contact us by whatsapp on +447485622662- let us know what you think of this episode. High-functioning anxiety and perfectionism can make you feel like nothing your team does is ever good enough. But here's the truth: the problem isn't their work—it's your nervous system running on overdrive. Learn how burnout disguises itself as impossible standards and what to do about it without lowering your impact. A team can look “high performing” on the surface while quietly losing its nerve underneath. I’m Cheryl Paris, and I’m telling the story of Isabel, a capable new manager who wants to do a great job and ends up doing something many of us do under pressure: fine-tuning competent work until her team starts working for her approval instead of working from their own judgment. The work isn’t wrong, unsafe, or off-brief, but it keeps getting adjusted because it isn’t quite how she would have done it. That difference between preference and principle is where work stress and anxiety begin to grow. We unpack what this pattern does to a team: people stop asking “Is this good work?” and start asking “Will Isabel like it?” They rehearse minor decisions, re-check messages, and avoid initiative because the standard seems to change after the task is finished. Then we flip the lens to the manager’s side. When you step into a bigger role, the gap between responsibility and direct control can feel like an exposed nerve. Perfectionism and micromanagement can become a way to feel safe, even when it costs trust, speed, and psychological safety. I share two practical tools to break the loop without “lowering standards.” First is the Cola Principle: good, better, best, matched to purpose, risk, and time. Second is a quick decision filter before you edit: is it wrong, is it risky, or is it simply different? Different is allowed to be irritating, but it’s not an emergency. You’ll also hear how to set clear outcomes and boundaries upfront so competent people can deliver quality in more than one way. If this resonates, subscribe for more practical ideas on leadership, work stress, anxiety, and healthier standards, share it with a manager who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one “different but fine” choice you’ll stop correcting this week? The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have a specific health concern or condition, please consult a qualified Healthcare professional for more details. Check out herguru dot uk forward slash disclaimers Support the show If this episode helped, please share it with someone who needs a calmer five minutes: https://followthepodcast.com/workstressanxiety If you'd like to support the podcast, leaving a review genuinely helps other overwhelmed humans find it without having to survive another "10x your mindset" podcast first: https://lovethepodcast.com/workstressanxiety Got feedback, a question, or a future episode suggestion? https://podcastfeedback.com/workstressanxiety Work Stress Anxiety by ABGW is part of HerGuru Hypnotherapy and Coaching™ and grounded in the ABGW Method®. Calm first. Reality first. Then change.™ Connect with Cheryl Paris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylparis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abgwblog Shared stories are anonymised. This podcast is provided for educational and self- reflective purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, workplace, or professional advice. Disclaimer: https://herguru.uk/disclaimers/ © Cheryl Paris. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.