How To Solve Negative Perfectionism

This article will explore one of the most important psychological issues that face most creative people: the pursuit of perfection.

The Myth of Idealized Standard

Perfection is often the ultimate goal of every creative individual. However, it is just an unrealistic standard we find ourselves tempted to pursue. It’s easy to think that perfect work is the only standard that deserves recognition. Here are some common misconceptions about perfection that you need to know:

1. Myth 1: That perfection is achievable:

You should know that perfection can only be “sensibly pursued”. However, it is also safe to say that doing our best is the perfect point for us. This is true as long as you do your best, your work is perfect now.

This concept is especially true in the case of writers because writing is an endless process. Those who think their writing is not “good enough”, should realize that it is good enough as of this present moment. Because they did their best, and that should be enough. The constant pursuit of perfection can keep you in an endless cycle of adjustments. It can also make you do constant improvements without ever reaching a point of satisfaction. No creative product is flawless; rather, those “flaws” give the work its unique character.

• Myth 2: That Perfection is equal to Success:

Many people think that our success depends on achieving perfection. But the truth is that success means achieving despite the challenges. Therefore, success depends on the ability to move forward, especially when everything seems imperfect.

You will realize that perfection is not a destination; it is an obstacle that stands between you and actual success.

• Myth 3: That Only “Perfect Ideas” Are Worth Implementing:

It is very important to know that ideas are not perfect at the beginning, but rather we need to develop and modify them. The pursuit of the perfect idea disrupts the creative process and makes you stuck in the thinking stage without reaching the implementation stage. This can be very clear in business. A perfect business idea doesn’t necessarily mean a unique idea that no one has ever thought of. It could be doing what others did, but adding more value and creativity.

• Myth 4: That Making Mistakes Means Failing:

You should know that great works are rarely error-free in their early stages. However, with experience and analysis, those mistakes turn into important lessons that push the creative process forward.

How to Free Yourself from the Burden of Perfection

I believe that the only way to set yourself free from feeling the need to achieve perfection is to accept and embrace imperfection. That is simply because the end goal is not perfection, it is success, which means achieving despite the challenges.

I find it very effective to adopt the concept of “Good enough”. This simply means that you recognize that a work isn’t complete once it’s brought to life. You can always go back and improve it. But the most important thing is to start, move, and overcome the obstacles that hinder you. Remember that “Good Enough” doesn’t mean settling for less or giving up on quality. However, creativity is a tool for success, not for perfection.

Strategies for Overcoming Perfectionism

The idea that a work can only be complete if it is flawless can lead to procrastination, hesitation, and even failure to accomplish anything at all. However, overcoming perfectionism is not easy, but here are a few tips that will help you deal with perfectionism:

1.  Use the “good enough” principle:

This principle is one of the most powerful tools that will help you overcome perfectionism. For example, an artist might choose to release their work once the intended message is communicable, even though that work may lack final refinements.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or flawless result, you can decide that the work is good enough to launch or move on. The goal is to finish the work and move on to the next stage, not to dwell on the small details.

This – as explained above – does not mean giving up on quality, but rather acknowledging that the work is now complete. A “not perfect” work is much better than work that does not see the light.

• Set realistic standards for quality:

Ask yourself the following question: What is the acceptable level of quality for this project? What standards should I adhere to, and what are the things I can tolerate? And most importantly, what value can I add to this work?

•  Do things step by step:

I believe that breaking projects down into smaller, manageable tasks can make it easier to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed. As you complete a smaller part of the project, you’ll feel more confident and accomplished, which will help you make more progress.

• Set deadlines and stick to them:

You should also know that there is never a “perfect time” or “perfect state” to be creative if you always link working to perfectionism. Therefore, create your own perfect time and adhere to it.

• Projects mean learning and growing:

When you realize and believe that ideas can’t be perfect immediately. Therefore, they are giving you a golden opportunity to grow and polish your skills. In addition to that, your tendency to perfectionism can fade away. Moreover, any project is an opportunity to learn and grow, not only to showcase your abilities.

•  Lower your self-expectations:

Creative people tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves to achieve perfect results, which can lead to constant frustration. It is important to lower these expectations and realize that good work doesn’t necessarily mean flawless work.  You should allow yourself to experiment and make mistakes, and remember that creativity isn’t a competition for absolute quality, but rather an ongoing journey toward self-improvement and expression of ideas.