Perfectionism sounds like a good thing, after all, what could be more desirable than perfection?
It’s difficult to imagine a situation in which something could be better than perfect. However, perfectionism is a real issue because it prevents people from sharing the more imperfect (but still amazing!) things they create with the rest of the world.
Because we think we’re just being conscientious, high achievers can be particularly vulnerable. We’ve almost certainly been rewarded for our diligence. We’ve been used to “winning” or “succeeding” not just in our careers, but probably since we were children.
When you’re used to always succeeding, the prospect of trying something new, which you may not be very good at because you’re a beginner, is extremely unsettling.
Furthermore, the fear of failure prevents us from taking any of those steps, causing us to remain stuck because we do not want to leave that bubble.
When we tie our self-worth to outcomes, it’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about “I am a winner” or “I am a loser,” and because we self-identify as high achievers, we need to keep this cycle of achievement going to stay a winner.
Should we let go of perfection?
Are you hung up on perfection? It’s finally time to let go. Let’s have a look at some ways to let go of perfection.
Let Go and Reap the Rewards
Almost all of the wonderful inventions we celebrate today began in less-than-ideal circumstances.
The first iPhone, the first Space X rocket, and the first electric car were all released in less-than-ideal condition. Nonetheless, people adored them. People continued to buy or invest in them. As each iteration of these products was released, they improved to the point where, if you compare the latest iPhone X to the first generation iPhone, you would immediately declare the first iPhone to be far from perfect.
The first iPhone, the first Space X rocket, and the first electric car were all works in progress.
Perfectionism can be equated with fear
The truth is that perfectionism is a form of fear. This is most likely a fear of criticism or disapproval of your idea. The worst-case scenario is that your idea will be a total flop and you will fail.
Fear, on the other hand, is a mental state rather than a physical one. Any fear, particularly irrational fears of perfection, can be changed and overcome by analysing why you are afraid in the first place and recognising the worst-case scenario of putting a “less than perfect” idea out there.
When you realise that the worst thing that could happen is that someone criticises your work, you will realise that there is nothing to be afraid of–in fact, criticism is a fantastic tool for helping your idea improve! This is where you find out what others think can be improved so that your idea can appeal to a larger audience and gain traction with others.
Sometimes imperfection is also perfect
We are not perfect when we are born, and we will not be perfect when we die. Perfection is largely a myth.
What one person finds ideal, another will find objectionable. That’s just how it is. Life is all about successes and failures, and it is through these experiences that we grow and become better people, just as our ideas improve through repeated failures. We live, we make mistakes, and we learn and grow as a result.
We will never be perfect, and that is a good thing; if everyone was perfect, the world would be a very boring place. Imperfections are what define you and make you interesting and unique. Celebrate your failures and flaws.
If you find it difficult to achieve perfection, you are not alone
Nobody, nor any idea, is without flaws. Accept the notion that striving to do your absolute best is sufficient and will eventually lead you down a brilliant path. If you have a perfectionist streak, try to let it go and enjoy the process of getting your idea out there rather than focusing on the result.
Reframe, but don’t retreat
When we care about something, we raise the stakes to ridiculous levels!!! It prevents us from getting started, whether it’s because of these ideals or because it’s something we want. As a result, we begin to retreat even before we’ve taken any of the stair steps mentioned earlier. So, reframe your next action as an experiment or a chance to get some feedback for yourself.
If you reframe your career change as an opportunity to do research and learn more about the thing you’re interested in, as well as learn more about the person sitting across from you, you’ll be able to move up those stair steps much more easily (and quickly).
Also published on Medium.