Overcoming Perfectionism: Embracing Growth Over Perfection
Overcoming Perfectionism: Embracing Growth Over Perfection
Perfectionism is a trap that so many of us fall into. We strive for that unattainable "perfect" standard in everything we do, convinced that only perfection will bring us the success and satisfaction we crave.
But here’s the thing: perfectionism doesn’t just hold us back; it stifles growth, creativity, and ultimately, happiness.
One of the most powerful lessons I ever learned was from a breakfast with Jamie Oliver many years ago, where he shared advice he’d received from Sir Paul Smith.
Sir Paul said,
"Never try and be the best, but always try and be consistently very good."
This piece of advice has stuck with me ever since, and it aligns so beautifully with Stoic principles and my personal experience in business and in life.
Perfection isn't the goal – it’s about being the best you can be in the moment and continually striving for excellence, without the impossible burden of perfection.
The Perfectionism Trap
Perfectionism often comes from a place of fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough.
The idea that only perfection will suffice can leave us paralysed, stuck in a loop of endless tweaking, revising, and delaying.
We become so focused on avoiding mistakes that we forget one of the most vital lessons in life: growth comes from failure.
I’ve seen this play out time and again, especially in the retail world. If my buyers had a 100% success rate, it simply meant they weren’t taking enough risks. It was too easy!
If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. Failure is critical to growth – it's how we learn, adapt, and ultimately succeed.
The Myth of Perfection
Perfection is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We chase it, convinced that once we reach it, everything will fall into place. But here’s the truth: with 8 billion of us on the planet, there are no two people who see the world the same way. So, who's to say what "perfect" looks like?
We all have different perceptions, experiences, and standards. What’s perfect to one person may fall short for another. The pursuit of perfection is an endless chase, and it often prevents us from appreciating what we’ve achieved right now.
Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, aim to be consistently very good, as Sir Paul Smith suggests, and let that be enough.
The Myth of the Perfect Climb
How many times have you watched someone climb the career ladder faster than you, even though you know you’re more capable?
Often, the difference isn’t in ability, but in mindset. While perfectionists are stuck trying to get everything "just right," others are taking action, learning from their mistakes, and improving as they go. They understand that being good combined with action and learning from failure is the key to growth.
Meanwhile, perfectionists hesitate, over-analyse, and end up being passed by.
This doesn’t mean lowering your standards – far from it.
It means recognising that 70% is good enough to move forward.
Waiting for perfection leads to missed opportunities and stalled progress.
No One Can Be "In the Zone" All the Time
One thing I’ve learned from working with high-performing individuals is that even the most successful athletes and sportspersons aren’t "in the zone" all the time.
Being at your peak every moment is simply not possible. The best performers understand that it’s about doing their best consistently, not aiming for perfection every time. They know that showing up and giving 70-80% effort consistently is what leads to long-term success. In other words, they aim to be "consistently very good" rather than trying to be flawless at all times.
This same principle applies to us. Whether it's in work, personal development, or relationships, no one can be perfect all the time. The key is to focus on steady, consistent improvement.
When I reflect on my own career, it’s clear that perfectionism was a barrier at times. I’d spend so much time on the details, trying to make everything flawless, while others were making strides by taking action and learning from their mistakes. It’s easy to think that if you’re better, you’ll naturally rise to the top. But perfectionism can be the very thing holding you back.
How to Overcome Perfectionism
Shift Your Focus to Progress, Not Perfection
Embrace the idea that 70% is good enough to move forward. Taking action and learning from what doesn’t work is far more productive than waiting for everything to be perfect. Perfection doesn’t exist – but progress does, and it’s in progress that you’ll find growth.Celebrate Consistency Over Perfection
Aim to be the best you can be in the moment. Consistency, not perfection, is what truly matters. Show up, give your best, and let that be enough. When you do this, you create a sustainable way of working and living, where excellence becomes a habit, not an unattainable goal.Reframe Failure as Learning
Failure isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough – it’s an essential part of the journey. Reframe your mindset around failure. See it as a teacher, an opportunity to grow, and a necessary step towards success. The more you fail, the more you learn, and the closer you get to your goals.Take Action, Even When You’re Not Ready
Perfectionists often wait until they feel fully prepared, but the truth is, you’ll never feel 100% ready. Start now, with what you have. Action creates clarity, momentum, and opportunities for growth. The people who get ahead are often those who take action, not those who wait for the perfect moment.
Practical Steps to Move Beyond Perfectionism
Set a Time Limit: Give yourself a specific amount of time to work on something, and when that time is up, move on. This prevents endless tweaking and helps you focus on what's most important.
Use the 70% Rule: Commit to moving forward once something reaches 70% of your standard. Understand that it’s good enough to make progress and that improvement will come through action.
Seek Feedback Early: Don’t wait until everything is "perfect" to seek feedback. Get input early in the process – this can save you time and help you improve along the way.
Focus on One Step at a Time: Break big projects or goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on completing one step at a time rather than getting overwhelmed by the whole picture.
The Benefits of Letting Go of Perfectionism
Increased Productivity
By letting go of the need to be perfect, you free yourself to take action. This leads to greater productivity and progress towards your goals.Greater Confidence
When you embrace the mindset that progress is more important than perfection, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to learn and grow. Confidence comes from doing, not waiting for the perfect moment.More Opportunities
By taking action, even when things aren’t perfect, you open yourself up to more opportunities. Perfectionists miss out because they hesitate, while those who take action are always learning and moving forward.Improved Mental Health
Perfectionism is exhausting. Letting go of it allows you to feel more at ease, less anxious, and more present. You’ll have more energy to focus on what truly matters.
Some Inspiration for Your Journey
Watching Recommendation 🎥
"Brené Brown: The Gifts of Imperfection" – This talk explores the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and letting go of the need to be perfect.
Reading Recommendation 📘
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear – This book offers a great perspective on how small, consistent changes can lead to remarkable growth. It teaches the power of incremental progress over the pursuit of perfection.
Listening Recommendation 🎧
"The Perfectionism Project" – This podcast offers practical advice and tips for overcoming perfectionism and embracing progress.
Final Thoughts
Perfectionism can feel like a worthy pursuit, but it often holds us back more than it helps. By embracing progress, consistency, and learning from failure, we open ourselves up to a world of opportunities.
Remember Sir Paul Smith’s advice: “Never try and be the best, but always try and be consistently very good.”
Consistency, action, and resilience are the keys to long-term success and fulfilment – not perfection.
Feel free to reach out anytime for more tips or even a chat.
And if you have any recommendations or topics you’d like covered, I’d love to hear from you.
