Perfectionism

I've heard many people describe themselves as perfectionists. Funnily enough, when you get to know them, you oftentimes learn that their lives aren't exactly perfect. This might lead one to think they're lying about their nature to make themselves sound more interesting, but I'm actually inclined to believe them. It might sound contradictory, but just because someone has high standards doesn't mean they're able to uphold them.

 

I will show you exactly what I mean with one of my recent personal experiences. About a week ago, I bought a video game called Cuphead. It's one of those games with beautiful visuals, smooth controls, but absolutely brutal gameplay. Not graphic, just difficult in nature. My current and only goal is to finish the story; that's it. No perfect runs, no collecting all the coins within Run 'n Gun levels, just defeating the bosses in such a way that allows me to progress in the game. Wouldn't you know it, my brain hates that idea and wants to complete all the levels with the perfect grade (A+). It doesn't matter that I'm seeing the boss for the first time in my life. If I don't complete the level by the book, I might as well not finish it at all. Obviously, this takes all the fun out of the game, and I oftentimes quit it after, like, the 4th unsuccessful try. It doesn't matter how many times I tell my brain that we will finish all the levels "perfectly" after we are done with the story. He doesn't want to hear any of it and keeps punishing me for losing even 1 HP in the whole run. If it's not perfect, I might as well not try. It's my way or the highway.

 

Perfectionism looks like a positive and good trait to have on paper, but from not just my experience, I know it is more of a curse than a blessing. It is better to deliver something than to try and wait for something perfect. Mainly because by the time you have the perfect conditions, the perfect setup, and the perfect tools for the job, the competition is already over, and most won't care about your work afterward. This is not me saying you shouldn't try your best and care about whatever it is you're doing. Wanting excellence is fine. Paying for it with your sanity isn’t. Good things take time, but they shouldn't take forever.

 

People don't care about how many times you rewrote a sentence or a piece of code because it didn't feel good enough. They care if you:

 

• Ship the thing

• Solve the problem

• Show up on time

• Inspire them to do the same

 

Lastly, perfectionism tries to rob you of experiences that are a part of making something and becoming something. It tries to rob you of the joy of failing.
Of feeling awkward. Even embarrassed. All the good stuff, honestly. You’ll feel all of those even after you finish your "masterpiece". The difference? Perfectionism makes you pay for them up front. With interest. And no refund policy.