I procrastinate too and I think it is sometimes linked to perfectionism. Translating a vision in my head into reality is always a bit scary, because the reality might not resemble the vision closely enough, or I think the work might be too hard to do. Result: paralysis.
Glad to see another fan of Alain de Botton. Check out his talk on the joys of pessimism. It's liberating.
Perfectionism is a curse that has followed me all my life – without making me perfect, so what's the point? Imperfect is our only option; all perfectionism does is make us miserable about our only option. It never made anyone better. Ever.
It's following almost everybody. And it's absolutely crazy. And it's not like we're turning this planet into paradise with our perfectionist standards. I think that maybe perfectionism is a tool from the repertoire of the prison of "can" (Burnout Society reference) designed to keep you doing your job to the exclusion of everything else (since you have time to be perfect (theoretically, but humans can only concentrate for about 2-3 hours a day)) and then any hobbies that you might want to pursue, you don't have the time to get perfect at them and good enough is out of the question :D
I really agree with this thesis. I have been a polymath all my life. I have never felt compelled to be the expert, rather to just satisfy my interest and curiosity. Once I feel I have an adequate mastery of a sport or discipline, I am ready to move on. It has served me well. Being a B tennis or racketball player was good enough. And I am a happy slow jogger.
Great to read this today.
Perfect has always been my enemy of getting things done.
It's a daily fight to overcome my procrastination - which I think is rooted in perfectionism.
....but I'm no expert.
"Perfect is the enemy of done" is one of my favourite sayings ;D
I procrastinate too and I think it is sometimes linked to perfectionism. Translating a vision in my head into reality is always a bit scary, because the reality might not resemble the vision closely enough, or I think the work might be too hard to do. Result: paralysis.
One sure way not to make mistakes is not to do anything at all.
Glad to see another fan of Alain de Botton. Check out his talk on the joys of pessimism. It's liberating.
Perfectionism is a curse that has followed me all my life – without making me perfect, so what's the point? Imperfect is our only option; all perfectionism does is make us miserable about our only option. It never made anyone better. Ever.
It's following almost everybody. And it's absolutely crazy. And it's not like we're turning this planet into paradise with our perfectionist standards. I think that maybe perfectionism is a tool from the repertoire of the prison of "can" (Burnout Society reference) designed to keep you doing your job to the exclusion of everything else (since you have time to be perfect (theoretically, but humans can only concentrate for about 2-3 hours a day)) and then any hobbies that you might want to pursue, you don't have the time to get perfect at them and good enough is out of the question :D
I really agree with this thesis. I have been a polymath all my life. I have never felt compelled to be the expert, rather to just satisfy my interest and curiosity. Once I feel I have an adequate mastery of a sport or discipline, I am ready to move on. It has served me well. Being a B tennis or racketball player was good enough. And I am a happy slow jogger.
Hahaha, yes. Slow jogging is definitely one of those "good enough" activities that get sneered at by the perfectionist outlook.
You’re absolutely right, as usual. Sadly, I’ve spent most of my life trying to feel/believe that I’m good enough.
You're good enough, Paul.
Nice to see you’re using actual art with your posts, most enjoyable.