Perfectionism

I was once perfect. It happened for a moment, but I tried to hold on to it and it destroyed the effect. Then there was the time that I wanted everything just right, so I never started and thus never finished. It is like trying to squeeze blood from a turnip. It will ruin your life.

There was the time a got a big hit in a championship game and then would never stop talking about it, or the science project that I had a really good idea, but I was too afraid to make a mistake, so I delayed until I couldn’t really do the project properly anyway.

How Wanting to be Perfect Holds You Back

Have you noticed that wanting everything to be perfect holds you back? Whether it is a birthday party, or a major art project, you can stop yourself before you ever start. Allowing the conversation to go on in your mind about how it must be prior to taking action stops you, and you know it. I’m not saying that you should not think things out, but I am saying to stop just thinking it out. Perfection is the killer of movement and momentum.

I used to work in software quality assurance and I was horrible about getting it all perfect before I would sign-off for things to move forward. I was intolerant. In the products of others, I wanted perfection. People were frustrated with me. The biggest problem that I was living in was that I couldn’t see anyone else’s perspective. It had to be my way.

Is There Room for Better?

To be fair to myself, there were certain areas that had to be perfect. When working on payment systems, you want the money paid correctly. What I lacked was insight into what was essential and what would be better to have right. I wanted it all, so with no tolerance, there was no room to ask for better, only perfect.

When you start looking at what you want to accomplish, what is essential, and what is tolerable? Is there room to start something and then improve it as you move forward? What will get you the results you want faster? Since perfection causes procrastination, I think you might be able to quickly figure out that you are missing out.

There is a balance to set. I don’t want slipshod work, but I also cannot expect perfection from myself or anyone else. It just won’t happen.

Finding the Perfect Path

The path that will eventually lead to perfection is one of action. Get an idea and think it through to the point that you know some of the steps and then start taking them. Don’t wait until you know them all. You probably never will know them all. When you get the result you were looking for, look back and note what was useful and what you wouldn’t do again. Congratulations. You are now an expert. You have something to share with someone else.

The path you are taking includes others, and as you help others, you are making that path a lot better. I think that you are also beginning to see that it would be good if you found someone who has experience to help you too. Don’t be a do-it-yourselfer. Ask for help. Yes guys, that means you. Oh, and ladies, I know that you have your little corners that you won’t let anyone touch. Start asking for help and the path will be easier to walk. Maybe someone will occasionally give you a ride to your next destination. Be accepting of help.

If you think that you are ready for some help with your mindset, let me know. I’d love to help you move faster.