One of the biggest obstacles to productivity is the need to be perfect or to produce something perfect. Setting out to accomplish something with an expectation of perfection can discourage, frustrate, and thwart the best of intentions!
Rather than risk failure, we procrastinate, which can lead to shame because we did not follow through. Do you see the vicious cycle?
The need for perfection produces fear.
Fear fuels procrastination.
Procrastination interferes with productivity and self-worth.
I am a reforming perfectionist because I naturally lean in that direction but practice going for good enough. I remind myself that it is far better to accomplish something at 80% than to accomplish nothing at 100%.
I remind myself to seek progress, not perfection, and that mistakes are gifts and opportunities in disguise.
Where does the need to be perfect interfere with your life?
How do you handle it?
What could be possible if you let go of perfectionism?
I have a funny story about my imperfect adventures at my nephew’s wedding. The story is six years old, but it’s a classic, and I want to share it with you. Click here to read.
While it’s no longer releasing new episodes, I was a devoted listener of the podcast, Going For Good Enough. For many years, it provided a weekly dose of laughter and reminded me why it was important to let go of perfectionism.
