Perfection: The Best Excuse to Avoid Work

You won't believe how much time I spent thinking and planning on writing this blog.

Of course, I want to write the perfect blog that ranks on the first page of Google. It provides so much value that you immediately love this article and share it with all your friends and family.

But, I ended up thinking and planning much longer than I needed.

And here is the worst part...

I ended up on YouTube researching "how to find the best keywords to rank on Google" (after I watched 7 unrelated YouTube shorts) instead of writing the actual blog.

Sound familiar?

We often fall into the trap of perfectionism, believing that our planning must be excellent and that our work must be better than everyone's. 

While striving for excellence is admirable, the pursuit of perfection can often lead to procrastination and work avoidance. Let's explore why perfectionism can hurt your productivity and how to overcome it.

The Pitfalls of Perfectionism

When you set unrealistic standards for yourself, it can be difficult to focus or even start your work. This fear of failure can lead to procrastination, as you constantly put off work, waiting for the perfect moment, or being busy doing unnecessary work. 

Studies have shown that perfectionism is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (Frost et al., 1990).

Carol Dweck's book Mindset shows that embracing failure and learning from mistakes can lead to long-term success. According to a study, students who viewed failure as a learning opportunity were more likely to persist in the face of challenges and ultimately achieve their goals.

Progress Over Perfection

The key to overcoming perfectionism is to prioritize progress over perfection.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect idea, start taking action, even if the result isn't flawless. Small steps and iterations can lead to better results than waiting for perfection.

Take, for example, the story of the Wright brothers, who built and flew the first successful airplane. They didn't wait for the perfect design before testing their flying machines. Instead, they made numerous attempts, learned from their mistakes, and eventually achieved the first successful airplane flight.

Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism

Here are a few strategies that you can try to overcome perfectionism.

1. Start small. Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks.

2. Set realistic goals and expectations. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on setting goals that align with your priorities.

3. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate your small victories and accomplishments along the way.

4. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. See mistakes, rejections, or failures as your stepping stones to growth.

5. Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and recognize that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone starts from zero. Don't compare yourself to others.

6. Find a supportive community. Surround yourself with people who inspire, encourage, and motivate you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, perfection is often an excuse to avoid work. By focusing on progress and action rather than perfection, you can overcome the pitfalls of perfectionism and achieve your goals. Start taking small steps towards your objectives, even if you need more time to prepare. 

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.