The pressure to be perfect is a trap with really nice wallpaper. Admire it from the hallway, then leave.

REFLECTION

WHAT THIS MEANS

Perfectionism is attractive because it dresses up as high standards, and from outside the two look almost identical. The difference shows in what they produce. Real standards get things finished and improved, while the other thing keeps work hidden until it is beyond criticism, which means forever, and quietly stops you releasing anything at all.

Set a version of done that is lower than your instinct and stick to it once. Show the work to someone at that stage. Feedback on something real is always more useful than another week of polishing what nobody has seen.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Where does wanting it perfect keep you from finishing?

MORE IN MINDSET & IDENTITY

Free, with nothing to buy inside it.