When is Enough, Enough?
“The ideal foil for perfectionism is an objective that’s precise and challenging. It focuses your attention on the most important actions and tells you when enough is enough.”(Adam Grant, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things)
Enough denotes closure, a point at which we suspend action, whether satisfying a desire or need or completing a task.
For perfectionists, enough is never enough. They want to “do their best,” which is a vague and immeasurable concept.
Choose excellence over perfection.
We perceive excellence when we meet our own standards, not based on the expectations of others.
Excellence is measurable in sports. In the creative professions, excellence exists at the intersection of self-perception and public approval.
We achieve excellence when we create the minimum lovable product or performance. It’s not totally flawless, but people focus on its merits, not its defects.
