Fool Marks

I used to be a ‘perfektionistt’. But, I’m alright now. I still have momentary lapses and get things absolutely perfect, but on the whole I’m not quite as pedantic as I once was.

The problem with perfectionism is that dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s can be bad for your health. If you adhere to the dictum that you can’t let go until it’s just so, everything you do will take longer, be more stressful, and lack enjoyment because you place yourself into a cocoon by the analysis paralysis of perfectionism.

At the point where you are able to simply ‘let go’ of this illusory notion of perfection, you will instantly become lighter, less stressed, and more present in the creation of your own life. I mean moving past what I call the 99% threshold. In other words, that project that has been just sitting there, 99% complete. I mean that decision that is 99% right for you, that is simply there waiting for you to let go of this notion, this idea of perfection.

If you often experience the straight-jacketed upside-downers of being a perfectionist, maybe its time you changed your perception of perfection - by that I mean aim for excellence rather than perfection. Perfection is demanding, all-consuming and inclined to be dull. Excellence allows for the faintest margin of error but is still exceptional.

The Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule assumes that you will achieve eighty percent of the task in twenty percent of the available time. The remaining twenty percent of the task will consume 80% of your time, further demonstrating the angst associated with achieving the perfect ten out of ten each day out.

Make peace with small imperfections and move on.

Thomas Chalmers is an executive coach. He works with executives, politicians, and entrepreneurs. http://www.idealifeinternational.com

Michael Imani, Ph.D. is a mind/body expert who works with clients on life and weight issues. He is a facilitator in executive coaching at the top-ranked Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. http://www.michaelimanicoaching.com

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