HBR Working Parents Starter Set (5 Books)

12

Let Go of Perfectionism

by Alice Boyes

Quick Takes

• Distract yourself when you are ruminating on mistakes
• Imagine the critical voice in your head as a comical character
• Try restorative yoga and other relaxing practices
• Realize how parenting makes you better at your job and vice versa
• Cultivate relationships that encourage self-acceptance
• Acknowledge that culture is the cause for most judgment

When you’re juggling work and parenting, it’s inevitable that you’ll drop a ball periodically. You’ll chase someone down for information they already gave you. You’ll lose your child’s sun hat at the playground (if you remember to bring it at all). Your child will ask you to make banana cupcakes for three months before you finally get around to it. ...