Result Focus Training
Chapter 1: Perfectionism — The Endless Search for "Just Right"
Hey, welcome to Chapter 1.
Today, we're going to dive into one of the most common reasons people slip off track: perfectionism.
At its core, perfectionism is the belief that unless something is completely flawless, it’s not good enough to move forward. Sounds admirable on the surface. But in practice, it’s a massive drain on focus, energy, and momentum.
If you've ever found yourself stuck endlessly tweaking, second-guessing your work, or holding back from launching because it’s not "ready yet" — you’re going to recognize yourself here.
And most importantly, by the end of this chapter, you’re going to have a new way to spot perfectionism when it sneaks up on you — and some simple ways to disarm it before it robs you of progress again.
Let's get into it.
What Perfectionism Really Looks Like
Perfectionism isn’t about high standards. It’s about fear in disguise.
When perfectionism kicks in, you might notice:
- You spend far too long on tiny details that don't really matter.
- You hesitate to call a task complete, even when it’s perfectly functional.
- You delay sharing or shipping your work until it feels "perfect" — which rarely happens.
- You mentally beat yourself up for small mistakes, even when nobody else notices.
These behaviors feel productive in the moment. They feel like you’re "improving" your work. But zoom out, and you’ll see the bigger pattern: you're slowing yourself down, and in many cases, stalling out completely.
Why Perfectionism Happens
Here’s what’s going on under the surface.
At some point, you probably learned — consciously or not — that achievement equals worth.
Or that mistakes are dangerous and must be avoided at all costs.
When you care deeply about your work, perfectionism can feel like a smart strategy: if you make it flawless, you can protect yourself from judgment, failure, and disappointment.
But in reality, it’s a trap. You end up trading real-world results for an illusion of safety.
How It Derails the Bigger Picture
Big goals need consistent action — imperfect, evolving action.
When perfectionism runs the show:
- You lose valuable time obsessing over polish instead of progress.
- You miss key opportunities because you’re still “getting ready.”
- You exhaust yourself fixing things that didn’t even need fixing.
Over time, this wears down your belief in your ability to finish — and the bigger picture starts to fade.
How to Recognize It Early
Here are two simple questions you can use to catch perfectionism in the act:
- "Am I improving this because it adds real value — or because it makes me feel safer?"
- "Would this still be good enough if I stopped right now?"
If you sense that you’re polishing out of fear instead of genuine need — that's your cue to stop.
How to Overcome Perfectionism
You don’t need to "crush" your perfectionism. You just need to manage it.
Here’s how:
- Define "Good Enough" Before You Start:
Set clear criteria upfront for when something is complete — without using words like "perfect" or "flawless." - Timebox Your Polishing:
Give yourself a specific, short window to tweak — then move on, no matter what. - Shift the Win:
Celebrate completing tasks, not just perfecting them. Done is better than perfect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcorrecting:
Swinging into sloppiness isn’t the answer. Excellence still matters — but it needs a boundary. - Self-Shaming:
Criticizing yourself for falling into perfectionism only strengthens it. Notice it with kindness, then gently redirect.
Signs You’re Making Progress
- You start shipping work more regularly — even when it’s not flawless.
- You hit more deadlines without the last-minute panic.
- You feel a growing sense of ease with imperfection.
Closing Thought
Perfectionism promises safety.
But the real safety — the real strength — comes from moving forward even when things aren’t perfect.
"Done and delivered beats perfect and postponed."
Catch perfectionism when it tries to grab the wheel. Thank it for trying to help. Then steer anyway.