The Problem with Perfection: Overcoming the Trap of Inaction
Are you like me and always seeking “the perfect day”? A day where you wake up, knock everything off your to-do list, eat healthy food, exercise, and tackle everything else you’ve been putting off? The bad news is that it’s probably not going to happen. Often, our desire for perfection in action is an excuse for inaction. It’s a con man (or woman) dressed up as a dear friend.
Identifying the Perfection Trap
Wondering if this applies to you? See if you ever find yourself telling the following stories or saying these phrases:
"I already ate a chocolate chip muffin someone brought into work; I’ll eat poorly the rest of the day and then tomorrow I’ll start my diet."
"I would exercise, but my [fill in the blank] is bugging me, and I don’t want to aggravate it."
"I’m not achieving XYZ because I don’t have the right plan or know the best actions to take. I’ll do more research and figure this out before I act."
Now, these might not be exactly what you say to yourself, but chances are, if you find yourself making excuses daily in search of a “better way” at a “later date,” you’re falling into this trap.
Real-Life Example: Breaking the Cycle of Perfection
Let me give you an example from my own life that I’m sure will resonate with most people reading this. I start my day positively. I wake up and review my goals… so far, so good. I go to work and have a productive day with plans for a workout after work. But at some point, I start to crave an Arby’s sandwich, hot wings, or maybe both. I then convince myself that I’ve already had a less-than-perfect day (for whatever reason I can find), and I need to have a perfect day to make progress, so I’m going to eat junk food, sit on my couch, and “plan” the next day which will be better. Want to guess what happens the next day? The same thing… and this cycle happens over and over again.
Embracing Imperfection: The Path to Progress
In reality, it would make more sense to stick to what I know I need to be doing as best I can. If I get off course at some point during the day, I should get right back on track. The reason I don’t (or haven't in the past) is that I lacked the willpower to take the actions I know I should be taking. At the end of the day, 1,000 half-steps will get you a lot further than one or two really perfect steps.
Tips to Overcome the Perfection Trap
Accept Imperfection: Recognize that perfection is an unrealistic goal. Accepting imperfection allows you to take consistent action without being paralyzed by the fear of not being perfect.
Take Small Steps: Focus on making small, incremental improvements. These small steps add up over time and lead to significant progress.
Develop Resilience: When you get off track, don’t wait for the perfect moment to get back on. Resilience means bouncing back immediately, not waiting for a perfect start.
Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable, realistic goals that you can work towards daily. This helps maintain momentum and prevents the feeling of failure when perfection isn’t achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why is striving for perfection counterproductive?
A. Striving for perfection often leads to inaction because the fear of not being perfect can be paralyzing. It can also create a cycle of starting and stopping, which hampers long-term progress.
Q. How can I break the cycle of perfectionism?
A. You can break the cycle by accepting imperfection, taking small steps, developing resilience, and setting realistic goals. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Q. What are the dangers of seeking perfection in daily routines?
A. Seeking perfection can lead to procrastination, stress, and a lack of progress. It can also cause you to abandon good habits when things don’t go perfectly.
Final Thoughts…
Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to achieving your goals. By embracing imperfection, taking small steps, developing resilience, and setting realistic goals, you can overcome the perfection trap and make meaningful progress. Remember, the key to success is consistent action, not perfect action.
