Is it Wrong to Embrace Perfectionism?

On the surface, striving for perfection appears to be the best idea after all, who doesn’t want to do their best? However, when you look deeper, the search for perfection may uncover hidden downsides that burden our mental health, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction with life. The question, then, is not whether perfectionism itself is “wrong,” but whether or not the way we pursue it is actually making us better or holding us back.

The Double-edged Sword of Perfectionism

Perfectionism may serve as a great motivation. Many people who identify as perfectionists are extremely focused, detail-oriented, and eager to put in the effort to obtain exceptional outcomes. This amount of commitment may propel us to extraordinary heights. While there’s nothing wrong with setting ambitious goals, perfectionism may occasionally push us too far.

When perfectionism causes us to focus primarily on the defects, blunders, or “almosts” in what we do, it can lead to irritation rather than satisfaction. Perfectionists are extremely critical of themselves, continuously pushing the bar to unachievable levels. Over time, this constant effort can result in burnout, frustration, and discontent, as well as feelings of worthlessness if goals are not met. Rather than moving us forward, perfectionism can keep us stuck in a loop of never feeling “good enough.”

Why is “better” more achievable than “perfect”

Aiming to be better, rather than perfect, encourages a mental shift. Improvement is about making progress, not reaching a goal, and this shift may lead to a healthier, more sustainable attitude to self-improvement. A “better” attitude emphasizes development, learning, and resilience. Accepting that no one is perfect allows us to see errors as natural steps toward progress rather than failures.

When we attempt to improve ourselves, we are less likely to be immobilized by the fear of failure or criticism. We can regard setbacks as temporary and flaws as chances to learn. Unlike the inflexible goals of perfectionism, this growth-oriented approach fosters confidence and a realistic sense of success.

Consequences of Chasing Perfection

Perfectionism can have a profound psychological and emotional impact. According to research, perfectionism is associated with greater levels of anxiety, despair, and stress. This is especially true when perfectionists base their self-esteem on results, feeling that their worth is only as high as their most recent accomplishment. Such ideas generate harsh internal criticism, making each mistake feel disastrous and every goal seem out of reach. In contrast, adopting a “better” attitude promotes resilience and a more positive relationship with oneself. We grow gentler to ourselves and learn to appreciate the journey rather than the result.

How To Practice “Better, Not Perfect”

The first step in achieving this change is to acknowledge and replace perfectionistic desires with healthy ones. Here are several strategies:

• Create realistic goals: Rather than striving for “perfect” achievements, create attainable goals with space for development. Let rid of the assumption that each job must be faultless.
• Accept mistakes as learning opportunities: Mistakes are not failures; they are feedback. Accepting this opens up opportunities for growth and development.
• Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that you are human. Treat yourself with care, especially when things don’t go as expected.
• Focus on progress rather than outcomes: Pay attention to what you learn along the journey. Measure your progress by how far you’ve come, not how much remains.

My Final takeaway is to Strive for Balance.

Perfectionism is not inherently “wrong”; rather, it is the rigid, all-or-nothing worldview that may be damaging. By striving to be “better” rather than “perfect,” we give ourselves space to develop and thrive. Embracing this balance enables us to accomplish success in a way that is sustainable, rewarding, and healthy.

Is it bad to embrace perfectionism? No, as long as it does not devour you. The greatest way ahead is one that prioritizes development above unachievable aspirations.