Did You Know ‘Perfection’ Can Be The Enemy Of Success?

Whoever said ‘practice makes perfect’ didn’t mention what happened after the so-called ‘perfection’ is finally achieved. Although the thought of being perfect at something is tempting and often desired, it actually has the potential to wreck everything you have worked for. This may sound a little strange, mostly because we have been trained to be the best at what we do, but perfectionism is sometimes a rather unhealthy habit when it comes to interpreting and maintaining success.

Achieving perfection is often an obstacle that many people cannot overcome. In numerous situations and under various circumstances, perfectionism can act like a barrier, holding back individuals from even embarking on the journey between success and failure.

When a person fears failure so deeply, they may never set sail. This ultimately holds them back, playing the background or falling into the shadows of others. Their desire to perfectly accomplish all of their goals is an unrealistic expectation because the best results are almost never achieved the first time around.

The worst part that the dark cloud of perfectionism brings is the force field that keeps people from ever attempting something new or striving for success. Pining over a new job with a higher salary but never sending out your resume for fear of rejection highlights how perfectionism holds people back. You will never know the type of fit you will make within a company until you try. Everyone should take heed to the saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?”

Don’t get me wrong, it takes a lot of courage and confidence to put yourself on the line. But, if you never get going in the right direction, you’ll never know where your talent, skills and determination will take you.

Taking the first step towards success is tossing the impression that every journey is and must be perfect. Whatever hinders your progress can always be fixed in the future. It is important to remember that every one, no matter how successful they are, can benefit from financial, personal and social tweaks.

When it comes to personal success goals, views of perfection can seriously slow down your accomplishments and achievements. You could have all the goals in the world, but if you do nothing to make them a reality, they are all for not. Most life changes and goals undergo a work-in-progress sort of thing.

Just take a look at history. How many inventions have been improved upon throughout the years to get the cars we drive now and the houses we live in? If Thomas Edison thought to himself, “What if this light bulb thing doesn’t work out,” those after him might have had to wait longer to enjoy the creation of automatic illumination.

The light bulb we use today is certainly not the same in Edison’s day, meaning everything is an entity that has room for improvement. As you see, the first light bulb was never perfect, yet was still greatly welcomed into the world. Just as it lasts longer today than it did many years ago, in the future, light bulbs may never need replacing, which is something I’m sure is quite possible.

Applying this example to your particular circumstances may involve following an instilled formula for life. Whenever something you want in life arises, you should take the bull by the horns and immediately ride towards your goals. Along the way, improve your riding technique until you are able to hold steady. Finish your ride (with or without falling off) and then ask others for a critique.

From the feedback you receive, you can improve your approach. This example also shows that you will never know whether or not you can master the bull ride until you try. The first time will be shaky since it is something new to you, but the more you continue to improve your skill, the easier it will seem. You will also become closer to achieving the personal goals you have set for yourself.