The Perils of Perfectionism and the Promise of Self-Compassion

Many legal professionals embrace perfectionism as a virtue, and our employers and clients often reward and reinforce behaviors that are equated with perfectionism.  In the wake of criticism and unrelenting demands on our time and energy from clients, opposing counsel, and courts, often our harshest critic remains ourselves.  However, unchecked perfectionism may ultimately result in more harm than good—personally as well as professionally.  This self-criticism and perfectionism can erode our physical and mental health and impact our professional conduct.

The first half of this session will generate a discussion of perfectionism’s impact on lawyer well-being and ultimately on professional conduct.  Participants will learn to recognize the difference between perfectionism and healthy striving and how to embrace an “optimalist” approach as a road to success and satisfaction.

The second half of the session will examine the question, “What if we could turn our self-criticism into self-compassion?”.  Studies show that people who practice self-compassion are more physically healthy, conscientious, resilient, and able to regulate negative emotion.  Self-compassion has also been identified as the antidote to perfectionism. 

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what self-compassion is and is not, how practicing self-compassion can combat perfectionism and enhance professional conduct, and how to incorporate self-compassion practices into their daily lives. 

Throughout the session, we will explore the impact of perfectionism and the benefits of self-compassion on the duties outlined in Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1 (Competence), 1.3 (Diligence), and 1.4 (Communication).  This session will also provide an overview of services available through the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, with special emphasis on Admission and Discipline Rule 31 and JLAP confidentiality.