One of the most important aspects of a commitment to continuous improvement is to strive for perfection. By aiming for perfection, you can continually improve your craft. In his classic book Mastery, George Leonard pointed out that progress is not linear; it can plateau at some point, then suddenly improve without warning. That's why it's critical to track your progress and look for periodic improvements. The goal of improving is to achieve perfection over time, not overnight.
Perfectionist
A perfectionist is someone who always looks for improvements in all aspects of their life. This tendency to be perfectionistic is common among people of all ages, as it is related to their sense of self. They feel deeply shamed when they fail and therefore seek ways to prevent this shame and failure. However, this quest for perfection becomes a vicious cycle. Despite the fact that perfection is impossible, the pursuit of it never ends.
The good news is that perfectionists are often aware of their tendencies. Knowing what they are helps you evaluate whether you're a true perfectionist. While some people fit into one specific subtype, others may exhibit a mixture of two or more. But the truth is that most perfectionists experience a point in their lives when they expect everything to work perfectly. This could happen when they are tired at work or have a difficult time presenting new ideas.
Perfectionists
A perfectionist is someone who is unable to move on if something does not go as planned. They see anything that does not turn out perfectly as a failure, and they are more likely to give up opportunities that require learning new skills than people with low perfectionism. Unlike high-achieving people, perfectionists put too much stock in the result of their efforts, and they may find it difficult to start a new project because they believe that the final result must be perfect.
Despite the potential downsides, perfectionism is not without benefits. There are both adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism, and the former is characterized by high standards, goal-directed behavior, and the ability to see blemishes in their work. However, those who engage in maladaptive perfectionism are not likely to see the same benefits. Rather, they experience more burnout and distress.