Would Excellent Be OK?

During a recent conversation with a work colleague, they expressed a growing anxiety about an upcoming presentation, emphasising, on more than one occassion, their need for it to be perfect. As they detailed the meticulous revisions and endless fine-tuning, I could feel the mounting stress. It was then that I posed a seemingly simple question: "Rather than being perfect, would excellent be OK?" This moment sparked a deeper conversation on the difference between excellence and perfection, revealing how in the relentless pursuit of flawlessness we can often hinder our best efforts.

That discussion inspired me to explore why excellence, not perfection, should be our ultimate goal.

In the context of the workplace, ‘excellence’ is a concept that, in my experience, is not very well understood, more often than not, being conflated with the idea of ‘perfection’. While striving for excellence can lead to remarkable achievements, pursuing perfection can be a paralysing endeavor.? Simply, excellence is about continuous improvement, growth, and the ongoing pursuit of betterment, whereas perfection is an unattainable state that demands flawlessness. In my opinion, the sooner we recognise the difference between these two mindsets, accepting the fact that excellence is better, the sooner we can lead ourseleves to more fulfilling and productive professional (and personal) lives.

Here’s some reason’s why.

Excellence is Unconstrained

Excellence allows for mistakes and learning opportunities. When individuals or organisations aim for excellence, they understand that errors are part of the process. These mistakes are not seen as failures but as essential steps towards improvement. In contrast, the pursuit of perfection leaves no room for errors, creating an environment where the fear of making mistakes can stifle creativity and innovation. This fear can lead to inaction or overly cautious behavior, ultimately hindering progress and growth. By embracing excellence, one acknowledges that the journey towards improvement is more valuable than achieving an impossible ideal.

Excellence is Healthier

Perfectionism often results in unnecessary stress and burnout. The constant pressure to be flawless can be overwhelming, leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction and self-criticism. People striving for perfection are seldom content with their accomplishments, always finding flaws and feeling they could have done better. This mindset can be detrimental to mental health, fostering anxiety and depression. In contrast, the pursuit of excellence fosters a healthier outlook. It encourages individuals to set high standards and work diligently towards them, but it also allows for self-compassion and recognition of one’s efforts and achievements.

Excellence is Sustainable

The pursuit of excellence is more sustainable than chasing perfection. When individuals aim for excellence, they focus on long-term growth and development. This approach is about setting realistic goals, achieving them, and then setting new ones. It is a cycle of continuous improvement that builds resilience and adaptability. Perfectionism, on the other hand, often leads to short-term thinking. The obsession with immediate, flawless results can prevent people from seeing the bigger picture and developing the patience necessary for long-term success. By focusing on excellence, one cultivates a growth mindset that values progress over time rather than instantaneous perfection.

Excellence is Realistic

For me, excellence is about setting high (but achievable) standards and continually striving to meet and exceed them. It involves a commitment to quality and the pursuit of the best possible outcomes within the given circumstances. This commitment does not require achieving an unrealistic ideal but rather making the best use of available resources and skills. Perfectionism, however, sets an unattainable benchmark that can never truly be reached. This unattainable goal can demoralise and demotivate individuals, leading to a sense of futility and despair.

Excellence is Encouraging

Excellence promotes innovation and creativity. In an environment where excellence is the goal, there is a willingness to take risks and experiment. This openness to new ideas and approaches is crucial for innovation. When perfection is the standard, people are less likely to take risks for fear of failure. This fear can stifle creative thinking and hinder the development of new solutions. Encouraging a culture of excellence means fostering an environment where creativity is nurtured, and innovative ideas can flourish without the constraint of needing to be perfect from the outset.

Excellence is Inclusive

Excellence encourages collaboration and teamwork. When excellence is the goal, individuals recognise the value of diverse perspectives and skills. They are more likely to seek out and appreciate the contributions of others, understanding that collective effort often leads to better outcomes. Perfectionism, however, can foster a competitive and isolating environment. The drive to be perfect can lead individuals to focus solely on their own performance, potentially disregarding the benefits of working together. By prioritising excellence, teams can harness the power of collaboration, leveraging the strengths of each member to achieve superior results.

Excellence is Motivating

Excellence also supports personal fulfillment and satisfaction. The pursuit of excellence is inherently motivating, providing a sense of purpose and direction. When individuals see their efforts leading to improvement and success, they experience a sense of accomplishment and pride. This satisfaction comes from knowing that they have done their best and have grown in the process. In contrast, perfectionism often leads to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. Since perfection is unattainable, perfectionists rarely feel a sense of achievement, constantly seeing their efforts as falling short. This chronic dissatisfaction can erode self-esteem and diminish the joy that comes from pursuing one’s passions.

Excellence is Adaptable

Moreover, excellence is adaptable and flexible. It allows individuals to adjust their goals and methods based on feedback and changing circumstances. This adaptability is crucial in a world that is constantly evolving. Perfectionism, with its rigid standards, can be inflexible and resistant to change. When perfectionists encounter obstacles or changing conditions, they may struggle to adapt, feeling defeated when their initial plans do not work out. In contrast, those pursuing excellence are more resilient, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Excellence is Practical

Finally for me, excellence also embraces the concept of ‘good enough’ when appropriate. In many situations, achieving a high standard that is not perfect but still excellent is sufficient and practical. This pragmatic approach ensures that time and resources are used efficiently, allowing for balance and well-being. Perfectionism, however, can lead to overinvestment in tasks, causing delays and inefficiencies. By understanding that excellence does not require perfection, individuals can prioritise their efforts and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

So, by embracing excellence over perfection, I believe that as individuals, leaders and organisations, we can create a more positive, productive, and resilient approach to achieving our goals.

… and therefore, my challenge to you?

The next time you find yourself caught in the endless cycle of striving for flawlessness, stop and ask yourself: "Would excellent be OK?"

This simple question might just lead you to a healthier, more balanced, and ultimately more successful path to success in both your personal and professional pursuits.