Overcoming Obsession With Perfection

I admit, I had (I still have) this weird obsession with perfection.

I’ve procrastinated for days and months to take small simple actions because I wanted things to be perfect.

I wrote an article and procrastinated for almost 6 months before hitting publish. I’ve another write-up that waited for months because I couldn’t find the right way to end it.

I’ve had terrible problems because of my obsession with perfection. I’ve lost opportunities with potential clients because I didn’t approach them — I wanted the timing and the pitch to be perfect.

We’re all waiting for that perfect time. If it’s not the time that’s stopping you, it is the obsession with perfect ideas.

If you’ve ideas sorted, you’re waiting for the perfect execution.

This weird obsession with perfectionism creates anxiety that holds you back.

Either consciously or unconsciously we’re comparing things with what we think is ‘ideal’.

There’s one serious problem with ideal things. They aren’t realistic and are sometimes unattainable.

Also, The ideal is limited. True perfection is limitless. It is always expanding.

Let me share an analogy with you that changed the way I looked at perfection. I read about this in the book The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner.

Have you ever noticed a flower?

I want you to reflect on the questions that I’m about to share…

At what point in a flower’s life from seed to full bloom does it reach perfection?

Is it perfect when it is waiting to be planted in the ground?

Is it perfect when it is planted some inches below the ground?

It is perfect when it’s just peeking out from the earth?

It is perfect when it grows to a foot long?

It is perfect when it is ready to grow flowers?

Is it perfect when you can see it has developed the leaves well now and there is a small beautiful bud showing up?

It is perfect when it’s growing even more flowers growing and the flowers are blooming in beautiful colors?

Or, is it perfect when it has reached its full bloom?

And then comes a humble and quiet ending to her life - back to the soil, where it came from.

Tell me, At what point was it perfect?

If you think about it… It is perfect every moment. Right from when it was softly placed into the earth to its full bloom.

It is never imperfect. It is right there. In the moment, embracing the present.

And, that’s what I want you to take away from this newsletter…

You’re perfect. Every single moment.

This analogy helped me change my perspective on perfection, I hope it helps you too.

- Noman Shaikh

P. S.

This newsletter is about actionable and easy-to-digest information from books. It is not specific to a genre of books. Any book that’s interesting will be broken down and shared here. If you have a suggestion, let me know.

Spread the word about The Book Nerd with your friends. I appreciate it.