We all want to be successful, but don’t let perfectionism paralyze you. Perfectionism is defined as the need to be or appear to be perfect. Through mainstream media, society has projected this message that perfection leads to success. Unfortunately, many of us have internalized this message. Many of us have let this messaging hold us hostage because we can’t produce perfection. So, how do you avoid being paralyzed by perfectionism? Keep reading to find out:
Perfection is a Myth
One of the main ways to avoid perfectionism paralysis is by realizing perfection is a myth. We’re all flawed human beings, therefore, it’s impossible for any of us to produce perfection. When you realize perfection is impossible, the pressure and obligation to achieve it disappears. Once the pressure is off, you’re free to do your own thing.
You’re Going to Make Mistakes
Once you accept and embrace the fact that you’re going to make mistakes, you won’t let perfectionism paralyze you. To piggyback off the last point, we’re flawed human beings and we’re going to make mistakes. Mistakes are not only natural, but they’re also normal. The sooner we accept this fact, the sooner perfectionism’s paralyzing grip will release us.
Aim for Excellence, Not Perfection
While perfection is impossible, excellence isn’t. So, instead of aiming for perfection, we should aim for excellence. Excellence is simply striving to do one’s individual best, which is something we’re all capable of achieving.
Perfectionism is Rooted in Comparison
Perfectionism is paralyzing because it’s also rooted in comparison. Have you noticed that perfectionism always makes us look outside of ourselves to recognize something or someone else as the standard? Then we stop to compare ourselves against this external standard to determine whether or not we’re measuring up. When you stop comparing yourself to external standards of so-called perfection, you become your own standard.
“Perfect” Doesn’t Equal Success
Finally, when we realize that perfection has nothing to do with success, we’ll stop allowing it to paralyze us. Again, society has conditioned us to believe that for us to succeed, we, it, whatever, has to be perfect. We don’t release projects until they’re perfect. We avoid sharing our ideas until they’re perfect, etc. In reality, we achieve success by taking action and being consistent, not by being perfect.
How do you avoid being paralyzed by perfectionism? Drop a comment below.
I would say this was something that I struggled with as an entrepreneur especially with a lot of my associates doing the same thing in my field. I was reminded that it’s amazing to be different I’m not supposed to be like everyone else. I’m grateful to say that I am no longer paralyzed but I am conscious if that makes sense.
It makes perfect sense Kesha. I think we’ve all been there, at some point, as entrepreneurs.