In a world that often celebrates perfection, we find ourselves trapped in the pursuit of flawlessness in every aspect of our lives. The relentless quest for perfection, however, can be a paralyzing force. It's time to challenge the notion that everything must be flawless from the outset. What if, instead of fixating on perfection, we embraced the idea that "good enough" is not just acceptable but, in fact, a powerful catalyst for progress?
Section 1: The Perfection Paralysis
Perfectionism, though often perceived as a noble pursuit, can paradoxically become a stifling force. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness in every task can lead to what psychologists call "perfection paralysis." This state of over-analysis and the constant need for things to be perfect can hinder our ability to make decisions, take action, and ultimately make progress.
Imagine a scenario where the fear of imperfection prevents you from sharing your ideas, starting a project, or taking that first step toward your goals. This is the perfection paralysis – a state where the pursuit of an ideal becomes a roadblock on the path to achievement. This is also a state a lot of us find ourselves in.
The irony lies in the fact that the quest for perfection can often be a self-defeating prophecy. As we strive for an unattainable standard, we may find ourselves stuck in a loop of self-criticism, comparison to others, and an ever-elusive pursuit of flawlessness. The 80% rule offers a refreshing perspective – the idea that reaching a point of "good enough" can be more liberating and productive than endlessly chasing an ideal that may never be reached.
Section 2: The 80% Solution
The 80% rule, a simple yet profound concept, challenges the traditional mindset that everything must be perfected before it sees the light of day. Instead, it proposes a shift in perspective – prioritize completion over perfection and move on to the next task.
I was introduced to this concept in college from none other than Hank Green. He mentioned it as an afterthought in a VlogBrothers video. And it stuck with me. Instead of being stuck fixing every little thing, I can learn more by doing more and then my 80% will be better than what my 100% was at that time.
Consider this: what if you could accomplish more by accepting that reaching 80% completion is often sufficient for success? The 80% solution advocates for breaking free from the shackles of perfectionism and embracing the idea that progress is a series of iterations rather than an unattainable end goal.
In various fields, from software development to creative arts, the 80% rule has been a guiding principle. Successful individuals understand that waiting for perfection can lead to missed opportunities and delayed accomplishments. By completing tasks at 80% and moving forward, they gain momentum, learn from the process, and iterate towards improvement.
Think of it as a journey where each step, even if not perfect, propels you forward. It's a mindset that fosters adaptability and resilience – crucial qualities if you have large goals and plans for life, even if your plans are just to have a “normal chill life.”
Section 3: Overcoming Black and White Thinking
One of the challenges that often accompanies the pursuit of perfection is the trap of black and white thinking. This rigid mindset categorizes outcomes as either perfect or failures, leaving little room for the shades of progress in between. This can be even harder to overcome for those of us that are autistic because our brains tend to be wired for this type of thinking already.
Black and white thinking tends to reinforce the idea that if something isn't flawless, it's a complete disappointment. This binary perspective can be particularly limiting, especially when applied to personal goals and aspirations. The 80% rule provides an antidote to this restrictive thinking by introducing a spectrum of achievement – a spectrum where progress is acknowledged and celebrated, even if it falls short of perfection.
One thing that helped me with this concept was starting powerlifting. You cannot lift heavy every day and you cannot max out every single session. We worked with a system called relative perceived exertion which is essentially on that day you lift at what feels like 70% of your max if it was an RPE 7 for instance. That way you can add weight each session/week and get stronger at a sustainable rate over many months of training. I realized this was the same mindset I needed to use for other projects as well including this business and it helps to stop analysis paralysis the majority of the time.
Section 4: Setting Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is a cornerstone of the 80% rule and a key aspect of breaking free from the pursuit of perfection. Often, the pressure to achieve perfection stems from setting unrealistically high standards for ourselves. The result? Constant frustration, self-doubt, and the feeling of falling short.
By embracing the 80% solution, we invite a shift in our approach to goal-setting. Rather than fixating on perfection, we can set achievable milestones that allow for continuous progress. These realistic goals become stepping stones, guiding us through a journey of improvement and development.
I’ll use a no-spend year as an example. If you decided that you wanted to pursue not spending money for a year outside of the necessities, you would probably get to mid- January before you cave to the urge to go shopping, since the more you try to ignore some urges the stronger they get. What if instead, you realized that 80% of 365 is 292. That would mean to have a successful no buy year you’d only have to not spend anything 292 of the 365 days. That feels significantly more manageable. You could also break it down to be on average 5-6 days a month where you could spend money if that allows your brain to accept the challenge better.
What are some of your goals you’re thinking of and how could you use this rule to help reword them to be a bit more achievable?
Section 5: Learning from Mistakes
Mistakes are often viewed through the lens of failure, a perspective that aligns with the perfectionist mindset. However, the 80% rule invites us to redefine our relationship with mistakes. Instead of seeing them as setbacks, we can view mistakes as invaluable opportunities for learning and growth.
Embracing imperfection means understanding that the journey to success is paved with trial and error. Each mistake becomes a stepping stone, a lesson that propels us forward. Consider the alternative: a world where the fear of making mistakes hinders progress and stifles innovation.
Successful individuals across various domains share a common trait – they learn from their mistakes and use them as fuel for improvement. The 80% solution encourages a mindset shift, turning mistakes from roadblocks into building blocks. By acknowledging that perfection is an unattainable ideal, we free ourselves to experiment, take risks, and iterate towards excellence.
Section 6: Cultivating Self-Compassion
In a world that often demands perfection, self-compassion becomes a crucial tool in breaking free from the shackles of relentless standards. The 80% rule, as a philosophy of embracing imperfection, encourages not only external progress but also a kinder relationship with oneself.
Perfectionism often accompanies self-criticism, creating a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. The 80% solution invites us to be gentle with ourselves, acknowledging that the pursuit of progress is a journey, not a destination. Cultivating self-compassion means treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we extend to others.
If you want to learn more about self-compassion, I highly suggest reading KC Davis, How To Keep A House While Drowning
That book and literally anything by Brene Brown are really great starting points for how to stop living based in shame and move into being proud of who you are and what you can do!
Conclusion:
As you navigate your path forward, consider the liberating philosophy of the 80% rule. Celebrate progress, learn from mistakes, and cultivate self-compassion. Remember, the pursuit of perfection is a mirage; the pursuit of progress is a tangible and fulfilling reality. Embrace imperfection, for in the journey of "good enough," you discover the true power of becoming better over time.
Comments