We’re often culturally conditioned to chase perfection. Yet, this stupid pursuit is not only overrated and boring but also detrimental to our health and career. Perfection stifles innovation, diminishes project value, and ultimately limits our potential.
Life itself is a testament to the power of imperfection. Genetic replication, the cornerstone of life, is prone to errors. These errors, known as mutations, have been instrumental in driving the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Without them, life would have been stagnant and devoid of complexity. More importantly, there would be no humans to ponder about the universe.
Language, too, evolves through imperfection. Words change meaning, new words emerge, and grammar shifts over time. The language we speak now, would be very different from the same language spoken a century ago, and almost unrecognisable from the same language spoken 1000 years ago. This evolution is a direct result of errors in human communication. Language Nazis, however, demand perfection from speakers and writers, overlooking the organic nature of language.
Culture is no different. Traditions and customs change over time due to the actions of individuals who dare to deviate from the norm. This evolution is essential for a culture to remain vibrant and relevant. The only cultures that never changed are the ones that are extinct.
In the corporate world, perfection is particularly overrated. It often comes at the expense of time and money. My ex-boss used to say that 70 percent perfection of a project takes 30 percent time, and the rest 30 percent takes 70 percent of the project time. That last 30 percent, to achieve complete perfection, erodes value of the project. Time is money in the corporate world.
Experiments have now confirmed that perfectionism adversely affects productivity as perfectionists does not know when their results are good enough to stop working further.
While perfection provides a framework for planning and setting standards, it should not be the ultimate goal. Striving for perfection can lead to unrealistic expectations, self-criticism, and even self-sabotage.
Throughout history, many significant discoveries, penicillin to viagra and X-rays to microwaves, have been made by accident or through serendipity. Imperfections, in fact, can be a catalyst for innovation. Perfection, on the other hand, leads to stagnation.
Perfection is a myth that hinders progress. By embracing imperfection, we can foster creativity, innovation, and a more fulfilling life.
Are you a perfectionist? What’s your take on this topic?
