I recently watched the Republican national debate, and was just saddened as they wasted time arguing over one comment or one vote made by one candidate over his or her entire
I use Top 10 lists as I have the habit/gift of being quite verbose at times. Here are ten reasons that I despise the concept of perfection:
- Every person is a human being, perfection is not possible.
- Perfection, means no failure. Failure is necessary to achieve any form of greatness, personal or professional, and is a part of anyone’s life.
- Striving for perfection prevents people from truly challenging themselves. I can testify to this one. In my college life and early business career I avoided any course where I thought I could not get an A and avoided any job that I thought I could not master out of the gate. The quest for perfection is a waste of time.
- Striving for perfection stifles innovation.
- Striving for perfection inhibits personal and professional growth.
- Perfection denies us the ability to assess anyone’s true character. Anyone can be a great boss, friend, or service or product provider when everything is “perfect”. Real relationships are built when both sides reveal who they react when their own imperfections and those of their counterparties are revealed.
- Perfection makes life boring. Why would I even get up in the morning if I had nothing to learn?
- Those who seek perfection, I used to be one of those people, often project those expectations on others. This makes sustainable business and personal relationships difficult at best.
- Embracing diversity and enjoying it is a gift. Those who want perfection define what it is and often penalize anyone who does not meet their subjective definition. This means missing out on a big part of what life offers both professionally and personally.
- Basing decisions on the benchmark of perfection is just wrong. This tactic more often than not leads to bad decisions, and lost opportunities to work with those who impact careers and personal growth.