“I’m not an inspired genius accepting transmissions from the grand muse of the universe. I’m an obsessive, purpose-driven craftsman with a master plan and no chill whatsoever.” – Devon Eriksen, Theft of Fire
Why does perfectionism get such a bad rap?
Because it is a form of fear, and fear is uncomfortable.
Fear is what stops so many from starting:
They wait for the perfect moment, perfect idea, perfect alignment of their astrological charts (if Mercury ‘aint in anterograde, neither am I)…
…Using perfectionism as a procrastination device that shields them from their fear of failing.
For others, fear is what keeps them from finishing:
They tinker with projects well beyond their ship date, sweating details nobody will notice, too afraid their work isn’t good enough to let anyone see it.
For folks in both camps, perfectionism is an enemy that must be slain daily — and fair enough:
I’ve battled that enemy many times, and will undoubtedly battle it many more.
But beyond the fight against fear is another fight…
A fight driven by love of the craft; the fight to do great work.
And in this fight, perfectionism is not an enemy but an ally:
An inner voice that targets weaknesses and demands excellence; a lieutenant for quality-control that drives your work to it’s highest potential.
Experienced craftsman — those who have harnessed their discipline, and have a finely-tuned eye for completion — do not fight perfectionism, they wield it like a precision tool that shapes and defines their work.
Put more simply:
Perfectionism is neither good nor bad.
It is a blade that cuts both ways; dangerous in the hands of some, powerful in the hands of others.
The key, as always, is to know what problem you’re solving:
If you can’t get started, start.
(there will never be a perfect time)
And if you can’t stop, ship it.
(it will never be perfect; it can always be better)
But if you’ve already solved the first two problems, don’t listen to anyone who hasn’t.
Listen to your perfectionism, instead.
– T
P.S. In the words of Devon Eriksen, author of the incredible Theft of Fire series:
“Do not fight this process. Do not struggle against it. Do not resent it. Do not view it as an interruption or an impediment. Your brain is your friend. It is trying to help you. Every time it rejects an idea in midstream for not being good enough, it is making your story stronger and your voice more clear.”
And, in the words of a teacher of mine:
“I’ve never met a master who was reasonable.”
P.P.S. In case you missed it yesterday:
