Excellence emphasizes continuous improvement and learning from mistakes. Perfection pursues flawless performance with zero tolerance for errors. One can be a powerful motivator, but the other can take a mental toll.
When you start a new project or opportunity, do you strive for excellence or perfection? What sets them apart?
Recognizing this difference can influence how you tackle challenges, helping you choose better strategies to make progress and achieve your goals.
Pursuing excellence and striving for perfection are distinct concepts.
Pursuing excellence involves doing your best and achieving high standards while recognizing that mistakes are part of the growth process. This approach is generally healthy because it encourages:
- continuous improvement
- learning from mistakes
- setting realistic goals
All of the above can ultimately lead to satisfaction and personal growth.
In contrast, striving for perfection means aiming for flawless performance and being overly critical of any mistakes. This mindset can be unhelpful, often involving unrealistic standards, excessive self-criticism, and a fear of failure. Consequently, it can lead to:
- stress
- anxiety
- burnout
- a lower sense of self-worth
| Excellence | Perfection |
|---|---|
| Sets high, but realistic, standards. | Sets unrealistic or unattainable standards. |
| Embraces mistakes as learning opportunities. | Fears making mistakes and views them as failures. |
| Focuses on progress and growth. | Is overly critical of oneself and others. |
| Seeks continuous improvement. | Experiences high levels of stress and anxiety. |
| Maintains a balanced perspective on success and failure. | Avoids taking risks due to fear of failure. |
| Values effort and persistence. | Seeks approval and validation from others. |
| Accepts and appreciates constructive feedback. | Has difficulty accepting constructive feedback. |
Here are 5 steps to help you let go of perfectionism:
1. Set SMART Goals
Smart goals help you focus on realistic outcomes. SMART is an acronym that stands for:
- Specific: Clearly define the goal. It should be precise and unambiguous.
- Measurable: Establish criteria for tracking progress and success.
- Achievable: Set realistic and attainable goals within your capabilities.
- Relevant: Ensure the goal aligns with your broader objectives and is worthwhile.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency and focus.
One
In the study, 80 hospital residents were divided into two groups. One group used regular debriefing methods, and the other group used SMART goals in their debriefings.
After 2 weeks, both groups recalled a similar number of learning goals, and the quality of these goals was the same. However, the residents who used SMART goals completed more educational actions — meaning they took more steps to apply what they learned.
2. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities
Reframe mistakes as chances to learn and grow. For instance, if you make an error in a report, see it as a way to improve your attention to detail for the next time.
After a mistake, take a moment to reflect on what went wrong and what you can learn. Write down the lesson and how you can apply it in the future. This practice can help shift your mindset from perfectionism to growth.
3. Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself by acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws. Instead of criticizing yourself, offer words of encouragement as you would to a friend.
- enhancing mental health
- reducing loneliness
- improving physical well-being, particularly in younger adults
When you catch yourself in self-criticism, pause and reframe your thoughts. Practice saying, “It’s OK to make mistakes. I’m doing my best and learning along the way.
4. Limit comparisons
Focus on your personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others; everyone progresses at their own pace and path.
Reduce social media usage, where comparisons are prevalent, and consider tracking your progress in a journal instead. A
Celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of size, and affirm your individual strengths.
5. Set boundaries and delegate
Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trying to do everything perfectly can lead to burnout.
Identify tasks that can be delegated to others. Communicate your needs clearly and trust others to handle their responsibilities. For example, if you’re overwhelmed with a group project, it can help to delegate specific sections to team members and focus on your part.
Setting clear boundaries on your time and energy can prevent overcommitment and reduce perfectionist tendencies.
As you aim for personal and professional growth, remember that excellence comes from embracing progress and learning from challenges. Avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism, such as setting goals that are too high or being overly critical of yourself.
Instead, concentrate on setting goals you can reach and celebrating each step you take, whether it’s big or small. This mindset encourages ongoing improvement and respects your unique journey to achieving your goals.