Are You Striving for Excellence or Perfection?

In today's world, we are often encouraged and taught to strive for perfection in everything we do. From our personal lives to our professional endeavors, the pressure to be flawless is all around us. However, is striving for perfection really the best approach? Or should we be striving for excellence instead?

Many of us believe that if we can just get everything right perfectly, we will achieve our goals and be happy. However, the pursuit of perfection can often lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety as Sarah Bran Breathnach says ‘’ Perfectionism is an unattainable illusion that robs us of our time and precious opportunities to love, learn and grow’’. On the other hand, striving for excellence involves setting challenging yet achievable goals, seeking out new opportunities for growth and development, being open to constructive feedback, taking calculated risks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It's about continuously learning and improving, recognizing that progress is more important than perfection.

The difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection may seem subtle, but it can have a significant impact on our personal and professional lives. Striving for excellence involves prioritizing progress, growth, and well-being, while striving for perfection can lead to a self-destructive and addictive belief system.

Dr Brene Brown, a renowned researcher and author, defines perfectionism as "a self-destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame." In contrast, she defines excellence as "the process of becoming your best self, the relentless pursuit of what fuels your soul."

By recognizing the signs of perfectionism and shifting towards a mindset of excellence, we can achieve greater fulfillment and success in our personal and professional lives.

So, how can you spot these behaviors in yourself and others? Here are some signs to look out for:

1.?????? You spend an excessive amount of time on tasks that could be done more efficiently.

2.?????? You have trouble delegating tasks to others.

3.?????? You struggle to make decisions, as you fear making the wrong choice.

4.?????? You are overly critical of yourself and others.

5.?????? You struggle to accept constructive feedback and may become defensive.

6.?????? You avoid taking risks, as failure is not an option.

If you find yourself exhibiting these behaviors, don't worry – there are ways to shift from a mindset of perfection to a mindset of excellence. Here are some strategies to consider:

1.?????? Set achievable & realistic goals:

If you are in your weight loss journey, instead of fixating on achieving a perfect body image, set realistic and achievable goals such as losing a certain amount of weight over a specific period of time or adopting healthier eating habits. For instance, aim to gradually incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and / or commit to exercising for a certain number of days per week. By setting attainable goals and focusing on progress rather than perfection, you can create sustainable changes that contribute to your overall well-being and success.

2.?????? Seek out feedback and be open to constructive criticism:

If working on a project in the office, actively seek feedback from your colleagues or supervisor on your progress and performance. For instance, if you're tasked with implementing a new strategy, regularly check in with team members to gather their perspectives on how the project is progressing and where improvements can be made. Additionally, be open to constructive criticism from stakeholders, acknowledging that their insights can help refine your approach and enhance the project's outcomes. By fostering a culture of open communication and receptiveness to feedback within the office environment, you can collaborate more effectively, identify areas for growth, and ultimately achieve greater success in your professional endeavors.

3.?????? Learn from mistakes and failures:

If you encounter setbacks or challenges in your weight loss journey, take the opportunity to reflect on what factors may have contributed to these outcomes. For example, if you find that your weight loss has stalled despite consistent efforts, consider reviewing your dietary choices, exercise routine, and lifestyle habits to identify areas for improvement. Reflect on whether certain foods or behaviors may be hindering your progress and brainstorm alternative strategies to overcome obstacles. This could involve seeking guidance from a nutritionist or fitness professional, experimenting with different meal plans or workout routines, or addressing underlying factors such as stress or lack of sleep. By embracing failures as opportunities for growth and learning, you can adapt your approach, make informed decisions, and ultimately progress towards your weight loss goals more effectively.

4.?????? Practice self-compassion and focus on your strengths:

Instead of dwelling on perceived shortcomings, acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments. For instance, if you're a writer struggling with self-doubt, remind yourself of the positive feedback you may have received on previous projects and recognize the unique voice and perspective you bring to your work which no other humans can bring because of your uniqueness.

5.?????? Prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance:

Make time for activities that recharge you mentally and physically, whether it's spending time with loved ones, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. For example, if you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed at work, take a 5-10 minute break to go for a walk outside or 3-5 minute controlled breathing techniques to center yourself and regain focus.

6.?????? Celebrate your successes and recognize your accomplishments:

Take time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. For instance, if you successfully meet a deadline at work or achieve a personal milestone, celebrate by treating yourself to a special meal or engaging in a favorite leisure activity. This positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and motivation to continue striving for excellence.

By implementing these strategies and examples, you can start to gradually shift from a mindset of perfectionism to one of excellence, leading to greater satisfaction and success in both your personal and professional endeavors.

In summary, striving for excellence involves prioritizing progress, growth, and well-being, while striving for perfection involves unrealistic and unattainable goals leading to a self-destructive and addictive belief system. By recognizing the signs of perfectionism and shifting towards a mindset of excellence, we can achieve greater fulfillment and success in our personal and professional lives. The key difference lies in the mindset and approach to achieve the goals.

Reflection question:

Are there areas in your life where you tend to strive for perfection rather than focusing on progress and growth? How might shifting your mindset from seeking perfection to embracing excellence contribute to your overall well-being and success?

Take a moment to identify one specific goal or project where you can apply this shift in perspective, and consider what actionable steps you can take to prioritize progress and cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement.

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