Let me start out by saying that I’m a reformed perfectionist. In all honesty, I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it. Although I do struggle with the concept, I’m beginning to realize that “good enough” gets you to the same endpoint. Putting in the extra effort it takes to gain perfection may (but not always) earn you brownie points, but you pay a price.
Typically “good enough” will net you the same payment and fulfill your clients needs, but you receive an added bonus: You’ll feel less frustrated and have more time to devote to other things.
There are times, however, when “good enough” doesn’t quite get the job done.
I’m talking about those times when you are challenging yourself to reach another level. “Good enough” may keep you in the running, but it won’t give you that added oomph that allows you to cross over and attain your final goal.
Let’s take something most everyone is familiar with. The diet. You can usually lose a couple pounds by cutting out sugar and alcohol, reducing your portion sizes and revving up your exercise routine (or starting one). But after a few weeks and moderate success, you often slide back into your old habits.
It’s easier to be satisfied with a waistband that fits a little looser rather than keep your sights on your original goal of fitting into a smaller size. Or to be happy with adding one new client when your calculations show you need five to reach your goal for the year. Your rewards are hugely diminished if you accept just “good enough” at this point. You need to step it up and give it your all.
This is the time to enlist the help of your inner perfectionist to take you to the next level. That quest for perfection will take you there. Don’t settle for second best. The reward is worth the struggle.
Remember that not every goal is worthy of this kind of devotion. To be successful, concentrate on the one goal that will give you the most satisfaction or position you for further success.
Give yourself permission to do a “good enough” job on everything else, but when it comes to your goal, accept no compromises. Go for it.
Good luck! Let me know how you do.