Just Finish It: The Problem with Perfectionism
It’s so easy to get caught up trying to make something perfect. Sometimes we need to shift our focus – and just get things done.
‘Can you be perfect?’
I remember that line from ‘Friday Night Lights’ – from Billy Bob Thornton’s Coach Gaines in the film and Kyle Chandler’s Coach Taylor in the TV series.
Recently, I sat down to write a piece reflecting on the first job I took after graduating from college. It started out as more of a journal entry – I didn’t have a message I was trying to convey. I just wanted to reminisce and write something that captured the feeling of that job and the people.
I wasn’t writing it for money or recognition. I wrote it for the people I worked with 20 years ago. I hoped it would bring them joy.
I really cared about it. About getting it right for them. And it led me down a dangerous path of perfection.
I didn’t want it to be ‘good enough’ – I wanted it to be great. I wanted people to feel something when they read it. To be reminded of a time, and of people who were special.
So, I labored over it. A lot.
Finding a business angle
When I was in the process of writing it, I came across research about Generation Z (as often I write a draft, refine, refine, and then put it away to do something else before returning to polish and finish it).
The article reminded me what had made my first job so special: the culture – something that the new workforce of Generation Z men and women value more than money.
This gave me a business message I could incorporate into my piece.
Refine, refine, refine some more. I always do a few drafts (normally four).
This time I did 12 drafts. Twelve.
Was #12 better than #1? Yes.
Was #12 better than #5? Debatable.
At some point, it stopped being better and just became different.
I wasn’t fixing spelling or grammar errors after the second draft – I was refining syntax and word choice. It was like swapping the Essie Ballet Slippers nail polish for OPI’s Bubble Bath. In case you don’t get the reference, I’ll tell you – THERE’S NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE.
What’s this perfection really about?
I like to think I just have high standards, but I’ve noticed that perfectionism has been creeping into my writing since starting my own business. I have always been someone who valued excellence, but I will be the first to admit that 12 versions was ridiculous.
But is there something else at play?
I saw the author Elizabeth Gilbert speak recently, and she made a throwaway comment that stuck with me:
'Perfectionism is just fear in high heels.’
It’s an interesting way to look at it. What are we so scared of? Not being good enough? Not being accepted or recognized?
If no one sees our work (because it’s in revision hell) they’ll never think anything of us – good or bad.
If someone reads something of mine, I hope they take away my message more than anything else.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care – in fact, I care a lot about my writing and anyone reading it – but I write these pieces for pleasure, not for the Pulitzer.
A new approach
So, going forward, I’m going to check myself and that fancy fear in high heels.
Today I am going to try something new. I’m going to write a piece and allow myself just two drafts.
I will write this as I normally write my pieces, print it out (because it’s better to proof on paper than on screen), then make my changes, print the second version, do a final proof and then it will be done.
Because sometimes done is better than perfect.
And you know what else the coach said in ‘Friday Night Lights’?
‘Being perfect is about telling the truth. With love in your heart, and joy in your heart. If you can do that, you’re perfect.’
Here is my truth: I write with love and joy in my heart.
And that’s perfect enough.
Do you know employees in creative cultures are happier and more productive? My new Ignite Your Creativity workshop is designed to help teams strengthen their creativity – and build the creative culture. Drop me a line at beth@listenengage.com and let’s chat about how I can help you use your creativity to strengthen your team culture, solve problems, and innovate.