Perfectionism is the trait I deplore most about myself. It sucks the joy out of everything and there is no quicker way to start hating the things you love to make. There’s a saying: “Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good” [1]. If you’re a perfectionist too, this bit of gentle advice is totally worth popping on a Post-it note and sticking above your desk.

In his brilliant book Feck Perfuction [2], graphic designer James Victore has some characteristically provocative thoughts on the subject:

“Perfectionism is a head game we play with ourselves — no one outside of our heads really cares about the nitpicky details we stress over. It works like this: Set unobtainable goals; then, when you don’t achieve them, drive yourself into depression. You can give it a fancy name like ‘True Perfectionist’, but I prefer ‘Self-Hating Narcissist’.”

You can always rely on James Victore to both shame and help you in the same breath. He continues:

“Should you strive for excellence? Of course. Pay attention to the details? Yes. But never let ‘perfect’ stop progress. You know what’s better than perfect? Done. Done is better than perfect.”

Excuse me, I’ve got a podcast to finish making…