Delusions of a Perfectionist!

I have many clients—thankfully not too many—who are driven by the concept of perfection. They come to me asking how they should structure their work, surroundings, and even their boss’ attitude so that they can achieve perfection in all their assignments. This applies to all their endeavors: writing code, designing products, and even writing a short email.

I am always bemused by this notion of perfection. My belief is that we as humans are incapable of perfection. Besides, the notion is boring and also paralyzing at the same time. The reason for this is that once one achieves perfection there is nothing to shoot for; it is paralyzing at once because of its impossibility. Human endeavor is about its struggle to constantly beat oneself at their own game and not to ever achieve the “ultimate.”

To these clients my advice is the same and I am writing this short blog, especially for all those who are shortchanging themselves by pursuing this concept of perfection in their pursuits:

1. Perfection in human endeavor does not exist; we can come close, but not ever do something perfect in every way. Perfection in nature can exist, but look Who created it!
2. A less paralyzing undertaking is to shoot for excellence, instead. What excellence means is that you are going to do the best that you can within the constraints given to you. What this also means is that you can always do better the next time you attempt to do the same or similar undertaking.
3. If you shoot for perfection in any initiatory endeavor then it is unlikely that you’d ever finish it. This also means that you will never take any risk to make that endeavor fruitful; repeating what has been done before does not and cannot create anything new or exciting.
4. If you are obsessed with perfection try an alternative: Develop a set of requirements for what needs to be done and do all within your power to meet those requirements. Consider that perfection is only in your mind and move on to improve upon that achievement.
5. Always challenge yourself to do better the next time than you did before. This is empowering because your pursuing excellence with this approach.

No matter how much you want perfection try an alternative mindset using the prescription above. It will empower you to pursue things in a way that you have not before, and help you achieve surprising outcomes. So, go ahead surprise yourself!

Good luck!