When Perfection Gets in the Way—Part One
It is easy to get bogged down trying to find the optimal plan for change: the fastest way to lose weight, the best program to build muscle, the perfect idea for a side hustle. We are so focused on figuring out the best approach that we never get around to taking action. As Voltaire once wrote, “The best is the enemy of the good.”
-James Clear Atomic Habits
One of the hardest truths I still struggle to hold on to is the reality that done is always better than perfect. In fact, holding onto, even for myself, an expectation of perfection has always spread past me and splashed onto my team. It was like cleaning with bleach, it gets the job done perfectly, but often stains when it splashes around. Your own perfectionism will always impact those around you. This means that overcoming perfectionism is not just about getting things done; it’s about fostering a healthier mindset and achieving true fulfillment. Here’s how you can find the courage to move past perfectionism and embrace the good:
1. Acknowledge Your Perfectionism
The first step in overcoming perfectionism is recognizing it. Perfectionism often masquerades as a desire for excellence, but it’s important to differentiate between striving for high standards and being paralyzed by fear of failure. Reflect on how perfectionism affects your life. Think about how it impacts your team. Do you procrastinate because you're afraid the outcome won't be perfect? Do you set unrealistically high standards for yourself and others? Acknowledging these tendencies is the starting point for change.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Perfectionists often set goals that are so lofty they're nearly impossible to achieve. Instead, break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on progress rather than perfection. For example, if you're writing a book, set a daily word count goal rather than aiming to write the perfect chapter. By setting achievable goals, you can make steady progress and build momentum.
3. Embrace the Concept of “done > Perfect”
Challenge yourself to redefine success. Understand that “good enough” and done can still be effective and impactful. And it will always beat out inaction. This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity but rather recognizing that perfection is an unattainable ideal. By setting the standard at something unachievable you are only setting yourself and your team up for failure. By accepting that done > perfect, you free yourself from the paralysis of perfectionism.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
If you have been reading this and nodding along in agreement then you are probably your own harshest critic. Practicing self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend or a member of your team. When you make a mistake or don’t meet your own high standards, instead of berating yourself, acknowledge the effort you put in and learn from the experience. Every failure provides an opportunity for growth and change. This shift in mindset can help reduce the fear of failure and encourage a healthier, more productive approach to your goals.
5. Limit the Scope of Perfectionism
Identify specific areas in your life where perfectionism is most detrimental and make changes in those areas first. You can’t conquer everything at once —so don’t try. Focus your energy on areas where high standards are most important and where getting the balance right matters most while allowing yourself freedom and flexibility in other parts of your life as you learn to live and lead differently.
Voltaire's insight that "the best is the enemy of the good" is a powerful reminder that perfectionism can hinder our progress and happiness. By acknowledging our perfectionist tendencies, setting realistic goals, embracing self-compassion, and focusing on progress over perfection, we can find the courage to move past perfectionism. Remember, it’s not about lowering your standards but about recognizing that imperfection is a natural part of the human experience. Embrace the good, and you'll find that it often leads to great things.
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