What we often call perfection is really not perfection at all. If we continue to pursue what we call perfection in our personal and professional lives, we stand to miss one of the most valuable lessons in life—the ability to overcome our mistakes.

Many of us are perfectionists in our own right. We set high bars for ourselves and put our best foot forward. We dedicate copious amounts of time and attention to our work to maintain our high personal standards. Our passion for excellence drives us to run the extra mile, never stopping, never relenting. And this dedication towards perfection undoubtedly helps us to achieve results.

But what happens when we do get carried away with perfectionism?

We become disgruntled and discouraged when we fail to meet the (impossibly high) standards we set for ourselves, making us reluctant to take on new challenges or even finish tasks we’ve already started.
True perfectionists have a hard time starting things and an even harder time finishing them. For an example, if you want to start working as an artist, try to see all the possibilities and develop your knowledge to the highest level, encourage yourself and start working.

In fact, understanding that perfection is an illusion frees us to engage our flaws, to rise up to meet our daily challenges, to embrace our mistakes as lessons on how we can get better and how we can lead ourselves at a higher level—excelling beyond average to meet the demands of that voice deep down inside of us that cries out for goodness. This is the pursuit of excellence—not perfection. And excellence does not come easy. It is crafted over time and wrought with setbacks, and yes, many flaws. It is within the pursuit excellence, not perfection, that we find personal and collective greatness.

Remember, the real world doesn’t reward perfectionists. It rewards people who get things done. And the only way to get things done is to be imperfect 99% of the time. Only by wading through years of practice and imperfection can we begin to achieve momentary glimpses of the perfection.

So make a decision. Take action. Learn from the outcome. And repeat this method over and over and over again in all walks of life.

Good enough can be just that. Most of the time, the return on striving for perfection is too costly for us Type A overachiever types. Your “Good enough” is likely most people’s “Excellent”. Save yourself some precious time!