Jun 2, 2020
Strive for Progress, Not Perfect
Why your progress is more important than perfection.
Most of us waste an enormous amount of time trying to make things perfect.
But you need to realise that perfectionism will actually kill your productivity and progress.
Perfection doesn’t actually exist, it is often an illusion that people have when it comes to striving for anything. You should never aim for perfection for anything, instead focus on making progress.
Perfection is unachievable.
It’s a waste of time to go after perfection when there’s no way to achieve or reach it. Chasing perfection, rather progress will set you up for a life of disappointments and inevitable failure.
Strive for progress, nor perfection
Perfectionism creates procrastination
I’ve learned that when you let go of perfectionism and focus on progress instead, you can stop procrastination.
Most people don’t start anything in their lives because they are either waiting for the perfect time or feel like they won’t be able to accomplish something perfectly.
Perfection stalls progress.
When you focus on making progress, you give yourself permission to fall and keep moving forward despite failures.
Progress allows you to get somewhere
Most people don’t realise that making slow progress is better than no progress at all.
When you put all your energy on making progress instead of perfection, you are able to get somewhere. Don’t let perfectionism stop you from pursuing your goals.
Making perfection your standard is like running towards a moving finish line. You’ll never get there. If you are running towards a fixed finish line, each stride allows you to make progress. Even if you fall down and get back up, and run again, you’re still making progress.
Excellence is not perfectionism
Giving your best in everything you do in life ensure you progress in whatever you pursue.
It doesn't mean that if you let go of the need to be perfect that you will work less hard or you’re settling. Excellence is about giving the best that you can give for your family, job or relationships. Perfection should not be your standard for anything in life.
Perfection is a lost cause
There are plenty of causes worth fighting for. Perfection isn’t one of them.
You will get far better results and more satisfaction fighting other things. Or eradication of poverty. Or whatever seems worth your time, just not perfection.
Why? Because nobody ever attained it and nobody ever will. It’s a no-win situation. Chasing perfection will lead to a life full of regrets and disappointments because nobody or anything is perfect.
How to overcome perfectionism
One way to rewire your brain to overcome your perfectionist tendencies is to stop comparing yourself to others.
Instead, start forming a new habit in your brain such as become your own unconditional ally. To me, this means never siding against yourself.
Changing a habit requires practice. The first step is mindfulness — that is becoming aware of the painful habit, such as comparing yourself to others.
Remind yourself that no-one is perfect, we all have our flaws and strengths.
