Perfectly Stressed: How Perfectionism Fuels Overload

Perfectly Stressed: How Perfectionism Fuels Overload

with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett

Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
CPD: Up to 1 CPD hour

Accountants are trained to get it right. Precision, accuracy, and high standards are strengths to be proud of. But when the pressure to be flawless becomes relentless, those same strengths can quietly turn into stressors.

Perfectionism is rising fast in today’s uncertain work environment—and for good reason. The pace of change is dizzying. Workloads are increasing while timelines shrink. In a profession where clarity and control are core values, this heightened ambiguity is exhausting.

What’s more, perfectionism often hides in plain sight, masquerading as professionalism or dedication. Yet beneath the surface, it fuels procrastination, burnout, team tension, and decision fatigue— particularly in intergenerational teams where expectations around communication, speed, and standards may clash.

In this honest and energizing session, workplace psychologist Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett helps accounting professionals identify and tame the perfectionism holding them back. With her signature mix of science, storytelling, and actionable tools, she’ll show you how to work smarter—not harder—while maintaining the integrity and excellence the profession is known for.

What you’ll learn

• Identify signs of perfectionism in yourself and others—and how it manifests at work
• Understand the psychological and performance costs of perfectionism, including burnout and over-delivery
• Apply the 80% rule to prioritize progress over perfection, boosting effectiveness without sacrificing quality
• Practice strategies for self-compassion, healthier goal setting, and seeking constructive feedback
• Foster a culture of psychological safety that values effort, learning, and resilience over unrealistic standards