The Principles of Successful People #7
In striving for perfectionism, we can stay frozen with decision fatigue and seek tiny improvements that make little difference. Progress thrives on execution, so have contingencies in place to ensure that “good enough” doesn’t become the enemy in the pursuit of perfection.
Perfectionism - A personal standard, attitude, or philosophy that demands perfection and rejects anything less.
Decision Fatigue - Mental and emotional exhaustion resulting from excessive decision-making, especially the accumulation of small decisions.
Improvement - To bring into a more desirable or excellent condition.
Execution - To carry out; accomplish.
Contingencies - Dependence on chance or dependence on the fulfilment of conditions.
Our strive towards excellence occurs over years of consistent effort. If we pursue the perfect thing, we’ll never get there. We’ll spot the negatives and overanalyze our own choices, forever hovering over the literal or metaphorical “execute” button. This leads to exhaustion and a feeling we’re procrastinating. We’re faced with too many choices because, with perfectionism, there is never an end to the choices for small improvements.
It’s thought that perfectionism is the pursuit of progress, but it is the opposite. Progress requires execution. Sometimes executing will work, and sometimes it won’t, but through consistent progress, you’re heading in the right direction. How can we ensure we execute with perfectionism looming over us?
Contingencies can be put in place if you’re struggling with perfectionism. I set a self-imposed rule that every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, I hit the literal “execute” button when I send a post. Sure, I slip up from time to time and I don’t hit my deadlines, and that’s ok. As long as “good enough” ensures we continue our slow forward movement, then we won’t succumb to perfection.
I always think, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Perhaps somebody disagrees with my writing. If this leads to a thoughtful discussion that improves my knowledge, then I’ve won. If somebody engages negatively with my work, screaming and shouting about how I’m wrong, then they aren’t a person I want to be engaging with regardless of the situation I find myself in. If we shape any amount of progress as a win-win situation, no matter how small of a win this could be, then we’ll be less likely to freeze in pursuit of perfectionism. Progress is good enough, and that’s the only “win” we need.