It can be exhausting to keep up in a world that constantly demands perfection. While perfectionism can push us to achieve great things, consistency is a healthier and more sustainable way of making progress. Learn why consistency is the key to success and how to show up by putting in the effort and building habits that gradually lead to long-term success. (Estimated reading time: 9 minutes)
“Perfectionism doesn’t make you feel perfect. It makes you feel inadequate.”
— Maria Shriver
Have you ever noticed how obsessed our society is with perfection? This only fuels the flames of those with Type A personalities.
With endless life hacks and countless guides on achieving the “perfect” result, finding solutions that truly fit into your life without adding more pressure and stress can be tough.
It’s important to remember that nobody is flawless– we’re only human. It’s OK to have days when you don’t feel like being a superhero and prefer to take it easy and recharge. Perfection is an illusion, and no one can achieve it. Still, we often find ourselves chasing the ideal of perfectionism.
Many people engage in this behavior without even realizing it as a way to procrastinate. They think, “If I can’t do it perfectly, I might as well wait for the perfect moment and ideal conditions.” This mindset is a classic form of procrastination since we all understand that the perfect time rarely exists.
Some people struggle with this because they need control and perfection in every aspect of their lives. I was one of them until I realized that nothing is truly perfect and that striving for perfection can slow down my progress. I would often hold back, waiting until I felt certain I could meet my often unrealistic expectations.
If you feel trapped by the need for perfection, it may be because you focus too much on doing things perfectly instead of being consistent. Waiting for the stars to align will only hold you back. There’s no perfect moment to pursue meaningful goals—whether it’s prioritizing your health, purchasing a home, starting a family, or launching a business. You simply need to take the plunge. Think of it as a lifelong marathon rather than a sprint, and embrace consistency over perfectionism.
I came to realize that making steady, though imperfect, efforts is far more valuable than striving for perfection while being inconsistent. By being gentler with myself and allowing the space to move at my own pace and adjust when needed, I could steer clear of the pitfalls of perfectionism and ultimately enjoy the benefits of my cumulative progress.
If you’re weary of the constant chase for perfection, consider redirecting your energy towards consistency instead. Taking action, no matter how small, is far more valuable than remaining inactive. Remember that your efforts don’t need to be flawless; they need to be steady. The key is to be present and to continue making that effort day after day and focus on consistency over perfectionism.
Understanding perfectionism and its impact on our wellbeing
Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. It motivates us to pursue excellence and accomplish great things. On the flip side, it can become a relentless taskmaster, insisting on only perfection and leaving little room for mistakes. Perfectionists frequently impose unrealistic expectations on themselves, constantly seeking to outdo their previous best efforts.
The quest for perfection can significantly affect our mental and emotional health. Those who strive for perfection often deal with constant anxiety, a fear of failure, and feelings of inadequacy when they don’t meet their lofty standards.
The relentless drive for perfection can result in burnout, as people wear themselves out in endless pursuit of flawlessness. Additionally, perfectionists might find it hard to enjoy the process, becoming so focused on the end result that they overlook the progress they’ve made on the journey.
Another downside of perfectionism is how it affects our productivity and decision-making. Perfectionists may become paralyzed by the need to make every decision perfectly, which can result in procrastination and missed opportunities.
They might also struggle to delegate tasks or to work with others because they worry others won’t meet their high standards. This tendency can limit personal growth and skill development, as they hesitate to venture beyond their comfort zone.
The pursuit of perfection can be a tricky path. It can lead to remarkable achievements, but it can also risk personal and professional stagnation. Recognizing how perfectionism affects us is crucial in achieving a healthier equilibrium between aiming for excellence and accepting the flaws that make us human.
Why consistency is better than perfection
While perfectionism has pros and cons, embracing consistency over perfectionism can be a more sustainable approach to achieving success and personal growth. It’s the bedrock of meaningful change and advancement. When individuals prioritize consistently putting in the effort and being present, they can cultivate habits and routines that pave the way for lasting success.
One of the key advantages of adopting consistency is the feeling of stability and control it offers. In a constantly changing world, having a reliable routine and habits can bring comfort and peace of mind. Additionally, this consistency can boost productivity, allowing people to optimize their workflows and reduce the time and effort spent making decisions.
Additionally, steady effort can result in gradual progress over time, which can be equally important as striving for perfection. By breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and consistently working towards those objectives, we can create momentum and feel a sense of achievement throughout the journey. This approach can encourage a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning and development instead of failure.
Practicing being consistent helps us better understand our strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. When we regularly participate in a specific activity or task, we can identify patterns and refine our approach, leading to increased mastery and confidence. This self-awareness is incredibly valuable in personal and professional settings, as it empowers us to make well-informed choices and adjust to new situations.
What consistency over perfectionism looks like in different areas of life
Consistency isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it can manifest in various ways and be applied to several areas of our lives. When it comes to personal development, it may include creating a daily self-care routine, like practicing meditation each morning or sticking to a regular workout schedule. Regularly engaging in these activities can foster stability and empowerment in our lives while also reaping the benefits of improved physical and mental well-being.
In the professional sphere, consistency often manifests as a dedication to producing high-quality work regularly. This could mean establishing a reliable workflow, defining clear deadlines, and keeping communication lines open with coworkers and clients. By consistently meeting or surpassing expectations, we can cultivate a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy, which can be invaluable in advancing our careers.
Being consistent in our relationships and social connections is the key to developing high-quality and lasting bonds. When we regularly show up for our loved ones, engage fully in our conversations, and honor our promises, we enhance our connections and foster trust and dependability. This steady presence is especially crucial in close relationships, as it contributes to a nurturing and stable environment.
To truly embrace consistency, it’s essential to pinpoint the aspects of our lives where it can make the most significant difference. Once we identify these areas, we can create strategies to weave consistency into our everyday habits. This approach allows us to harness the advantages of consistency, turning it into a valuable asset for personal and professional development.
Four key steps to embracing consistency over perfectionism
Breaking free from the hold of perfectionism and welcoming consistency can be tough, but the journey is rewarding. Here are four essential steps to help you along the way.
1. Become aware of your perfectionist tendencies.
The first step is to recognize and accept how perfectionism negatively affects our lives. This awareness can spark significant change, enabling us to pinpoint the areas where we need to adjust our mindset and actions.
2. Cultivate a growth mindset.
Nurturing a growth mindset is essential for fostering consistency over perfectionism in our lives. Rather than seeing setbacks and errors as failures, we can transform them into valuable learning and growth opportunities. This change in perspective allows us to tackle challenges with a more optimistic and resilient outlook, viewing our journey of growth and development as a continuous process instead of a destination.
People with a growth mindset are open to taking risks, exploring new opportunities, and learning from their failures, as they recognize that this journey leads to mastery and achievement. On the other hand, individuals with a fixed mindset think their skills are set in stone, viewing themselves as either “talented” or “untalented” in certain areas, leaving little space for growth.
Cultivating a growth mindset allows us to change our thoughts about consistency and perfectionism. Rather than viewing consistency as a strict list of rules or habits, we can see it as a dynamic and adaptable journey that grows with us as we develop.
3. Develop self-compassion.
As we embark on the journey of cultivating consistency over perfectionism, we must recognize the importance of self-compassion. This practice means offering ourselves the same kindness, understanding, and support that we would readily give to a dear friend or family member. It encourages us to embrace our flaws and setbacks with empathy and acceptance instead of resorting to harsh self-judgment.
Embracing our flaws and mistakes with kindness allows us to release the constant chase for perfection. Rather than criticizing ourselves for falling short of unrealistic expectations, we can understand that perfection is an unattainable goal. The real journey toward growth and satisfaction comes from our ongoing, dedicated efforts.
Self-compassion is essential for maintaining motivation and resilience. When we encounter difficulties or setbacks, adopting a self-compassionate attitude allows us to view these situations as chances to learn instead of failures. This perspective helps us avoid feelings of discouragement or overwhelm and encourages us to keep pushing forward and making progress, even when we face roadblocks.
4. Apply consistency over perfectionism in your daily life.
Embracing consistency in our daily lives is not always easy, especially when we’re conditioned to chase perfection. Here are some practical strategies to incorporate consistency over perfectionism into your routine:
- Set realistic and achievable goals: By breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and setting incremental goals, you can create a sense of progress and accomplishment and help ease the pressure of striving for perfection.
- Start small and focus on creating consistent habits: Creating a daily morning routine can be as simple as incorporating activities like meditation, journaling, or exercise. By regularly participating in these practices, we can foster a feeling of stability and control in our lives, which can then positively influence other aspects.
- Break down larger goals and projects into smaller, more manageable steps: Breaking down goals can make our tasks less daunting. This not only makes them more achievable but also allows us to experience a sense of progress and accomplishment along the way.
- Find accountability and support: We might consider reaching out to a friend, family member, or professional coach who can help us stay accountable while offering support and advice. Another option is to join a community or group that aligns with our goals and values.
Perfectionism can feel like a relentless taskmaster, often leaving us exhausted and feeling like we’re not good enough. In contrast, consistency acts as a caring mentor, encouraging us to reach our full potential while reassuring us that we are already enough and deserve to take breaks when necessary. By welcoming this inner mentor, we can foster a positive and encouraging atmosphere for our growth, allowing us to flourish and succeed.
All my best on your journey,
Seline
Questions for you: Are you more inclined toward embracing consistency over perfectionism? How does chasing perfection feel different from being consistent?
Did you like this post? Sign up below, and I’ll send you more awesome posts like this every week.
Have Your Say