The Insane Pursuit of Perfection

Testing was always a stressful time in the martial arts schools I owned. The students had trained for months, sometimes years, to prepare to stand before a panel of senior black belt instructors to showcase what they were internalizing. Testing could last several hours, and demanded a lot of our students, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

As instructors, we stressed, and demanded, the pursuit of excellence by our students. We pushed them to not settle for "good enough" but to seek to find something they could improve on at every single training session.

In traditional martial arts, forms (kata) is an integral part of our Art. Kata was a preset series of movements intended to simulate a self-defense response to an attack. Many of the katas contained a long sequence of movements and transitions. Some movements were required to be performed with great speed, tenacity, and power, while others demanded a slow, supple, flowing motion. Kata, performed correctly, is both physically and mentally demanding.

During testing, we would often ask of our students, "Is this the best you can do?" having watched them perform technique, kata or self-defense applications. We did not demand perfection, as this is unobtainable. What we did demand was that the students held nothing back and that they gave us the very best they had to offer. Not to be perfect, but to be the best version of themselves they could be on that particular day. That is the relentless pursuit of excellence.

As leaders, we have to help those who are following understand the difference between the relentless pursuit of excellence and the insane pursuit of perfection. Perfection is a myth, it doesn't exist. If as a leader, we demand perfection of our Team members, we are setting them up for failure. If those who are following believe the pursuit of perfection to be the benchmark of success, they will always be experiencing failure, regret, and shame.

In the book, "Dare to Lead", author Brene Brown tackles this difficult subject. She points out that perfection doesn't exist. It's an unobtainable goal that is more about perception than reality. If you (or a Team member) is struggling with the unhealthy pursuit of perfection, here are a few key takeaways from Brown's book:

1. Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for excellence. It's NOT about self-improvement, it's about trying to earn approval from those around us.
2. Perfectionism is "ME" focused. It is about what the individual has accomplished, or how well something was done. It is about pleasing, perfecting, performing and proving.
3. Perfectionism is more concerned with what other people think rather than the actual results themselves. Excellence is self-focused. It is about becoming a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday.
4. Perfectionism is a self-destructive and addictive belief system that sets the individual up for failure. It can lead to depression, anxiety, life paralysis, and missed opportunities.

Brown also points out that most perfectionists grew up in an environment where they were praised for achievement and performance. Perhaps it started as compliments for good grades, manners or following the rules as a child. Or maybe it was being lauded for appearance, talent or intellect. Brown notes that someone along the way, perfectionists adopted a dangerous belief system that receiving accolades for what is accomplished, how well something is done or what people think is of paramount importance.

Studies show that the insane pursuit of perfection stifles achievement. After all, it is difficult to finish a task that is not yet perfect. And if you can't finish a task until it is perfected, you cannot move forward to achieve something else. As a result, the pursuit of perfection becomes a revolving door of disappointment, frustration, anger, and shame.

One of Brown's conclusions about the pursuit of perfectionism is the fear of failing, making mistakes, not meeting people's expectations, and being criticized keeps people outside the arena where healthy competition and striving for excellence can occur.

Perfection is the insane pursuit of a destination that doesn't exist. Excellence is the pursuit of a journey of self-improvement that is ongoing, healthy, and encouraging.

Excellence says there is always room for improvement. It's a healthy striving to become better at who we are and what we do. It's one of the hallmarks of good leadership. Black Belt Leaders in Life are people who are committed to becoming a better version of themselves tomorrow than they are today - and repeating this process daily so they can be a more effective leader every single day...and teaching those who follow to do likewise.

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COMING SOON: John's newest book, "Black Belt Leadership 101"

2X martial arts Hall of Fame inductee, John Terry (The Black Belt Leader) is a motivational speaker, leadership, sales & communication coach and trainer.   

Through his coaching and training company, IMGA.com, John (and his daughter, Jessie) seeks to INSPIRE others to see their limitless potential, MOTIVATE them to pursue black belt excellence as a leader in life, GROW personally and professionally and ACHIEVE greatness through living a life of significance.  

For more information, schedule John (or Jessie) to speak to your organization or to book a personal, group or corporate coaching session, visit www.IMGA.com.  

If you are a faith-based organization, learn more about John and Jessie's outreach to churches, para-church organizations or faith-based volunteer groups by visiting www.DunamisFactor.com.

John is an Executive Director with the John Maxwell Team and is passionate about helping others pursue excellence as they become "Leaders in Life". He is also a Master Coach & Trainer with Real Life Management, a behavioral analytics organization helping people learn how to live "Real Life" and make better choices when it comes to relationships, money, health, and wellness.

Jessie is a Certified Speaker, Coach, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team. By the age of 18, Jessie has traveled to Guatemala and Cameroon, Africa to challenge and inspire young people to believe in themselves, and (regardless of age) to pursue with passion the dream within them. She is actively involved in the JMT Global Youth Initiative. Jessie was the youngest JMT member to ever speak on the Big Stage at the International Maxwell Certification conference in Orlando, FL in February 2018. She is also a Real-Life Management trained coach.

Jessie's first children's book, Ebenezer's Journal, is available on Amazon.com.

Join Ebenezer as he uses the power of imagination to transform Dr. Lime's School of Normal Monsters into something amazing. See AWARENESS on display as Ebenezer awakens the dreams of his fellow students to transform his school and his community.