We've heard the saying, "we are born to be happy and not perfect" I despise this phrase, I loathe it! Not because happiness is not a priority. This phrase sits in a weird area of my brain. Where all the things that make absolute sense when processed slowly are but the brain refuses to grasp. The thing is no matter how many times you hear these phrases and they resonate, a part of you will always rationalize why that saying is for others and not you. That the person who makes up these phrases must be lazy, lacks ambition and must relish mediocrity. If you have never thought of it like that, I have.
Seeking perfection has left me self-deprecating and not in a cute kind of way, in the real sense of the phrase. It has started conversations with self that belittle, undermine and disregard my achievements. Nitpicking what I could have done, said and how I could have appeared better. It is brutal and probably a sign of far worse mental issues but this post is not about that. This post is about the crippling effects of seeking perfection. Namely; Perfection Paralysis. Countless projects started, completed but have never seen the light of day or allowed to flourish outside the creator's imagination all because of this wonderful thing called 'perfection', that can either get us to greatness or mess us up. I appreciate that seeking perfection has pushed the human race forward, the questioning and toiling on improving processes, our way of life and innovation. Someone had to ask 'How can we make this better, can this be perfect?
Seeking perfection has left me self-deprecating and not in a cute kind of way, in the real sense of the phrase. It has started conversations with self that belittle, undermine and disregard my achievements. Nitpicking what I could have done, said and how I could have appeared better. It is brutal and probably a sign of far worse mental issues but this post is not about that. This post is about the crippling effects of seeking perfection. Namely; Perfection Paralysis. Countless projects started, completed but have never seen the light of day or allowed to flourish outside the creator's imagination all because of this wonderful thing called 'perfection', that can either get us to greatness or mess us up. I appreciate that seeking perfection has pushed the human race forward, the questioning and toiling on improving processes, our way of life and innovation. Someone had to ask 'How can we make this better, can this be perfect?
Sometimes getting a thing done, is as perfect as perfect is. I had a conversation with a friend who admitted to having depression and lost sleep in the name of 'PERFECTION'. Looking back now, he realises the amount of time wasted and how much further he could have been if he simply started.
Maybe we should apply the 'Good enough' principle; "Most consumers will use products that are good enough, even if there are more technically advanced options available to them", do our best and not get hung up on all that could go awry. Here's another phrase for you that I hate, "Perfect imperfections".
Maybe we should apply the 'Good enough' principle; "Most consumers will use products that are good enough, even if there are more technically advanced options available to them", do our best and not get hung up on all that could go awry. Here's another phrase for you that I hate, "Perfect imperfections".
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