Here are some ideas on overcoming perfectionism.
1. List the advantages and disadvantages of trying to be perfect. Consider why something has to be perfect. Match the time investment with the value of the task or project. Example: sending a man to the moon and having him safely return to earth requires perfection because one mistake could be fatal. Sending a package in the mail doesn't have to be perfectly packaged, taped, labeled, etc. in order for it to get to its destination.
2. It takes time to be perfect (or as close to it as humanly possible). Adopt the belief that progress is more important than perfection. Over time you will progressively improve. Think of it as a process rather than a destination. No matter how good you get, you can always do better.
3. Good enough is good enough for things that just aren't that important. Save your best performance for the most important things in your life.
4. The enemy of good is perfect: do one thing imperfectly each day. Examples: intentionally miss-match your socks; don't spell check an email.
5. Give yourself a break and delegate when possible. Just because you can do something better than someone else doesn't mean that you should. You may be able to do things better than anyone else, but are you making the best use of your time?
When you've defined your life purpose/mission statement and personal life values/principles, you're more able to focus on what's most important to you and delegate the rest. Any time you can pay someone else less money than your time is worth to do something, do it (unless you get fulfillment from doing it)! That's a basic, economically sound wealth-building truth.
6. Don't take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself. Life is too short not to have fun! Develop your sense of humor. Watch comedies. Treat yourself to a live comedy show. Hang out with fun and funny people!
7. Adopt the belief that "I'd rather be happy than perfect."
8. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. Forgive others for not being perfect. Focus on what you like about yourself and others; ignore what you don't like.
9. If your self-esteem is linked to being perfect in everything you do, you're setting yourself up for failure. It's okay to strive for perfection, but when you make it a must you're heading for trouble.
10. Love yourself in spite of your imperfections. We all shine as different facets of the diamond. No one can be perfect at everything. So what? Love and accept yourself anyway - as you are - because 'as you are' is perfect for you, right now.
It is what it is. If you want to be happy, be okay with 'what is,' while you work on continuously improving.
Until you're walking on water, you won't be perfect. It's okay to strive for perfection. That's how you grow and evolve. You get into trouble when you make perfection a 'must.' Make perfection a preference rather than a must and you (and the people around you) will be much happier.
David Humes is a world recognized speaker and author on productivity (time management and Microsoft Outlook) and the psychology of happiness.
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