Perfectionists Aren't Perfect

Posted by Scott Williams
7 Comments
October 28, 2008
Leadership | Life Application | Transcend The Isms

We have all heard the phrase “Practice makes perfect!” at least once in our lifetime; however I want to disagree with one of our favorite childhood sayings… I think practice makes you better but not perfect.  My son had an amazing teacher at a private grade school that he attended and in my opinion he took the ”Practice makes perfect” phrase to the next level… he said “Perfect practice makes perfect.”  Now this phrase is much more close to reality; however perfect practice may make you much better… but perfect, not so much!

Anytime I hear someone tell me that they are a perfectionist, I chuckle inside or sometimes I even laugh out loud.  The bottom line is that Perfectionist are no more then a bunch of wannabees… that’s right, they wanna be perfect, but the reality is they can’t, because they aren’t perfect.

Here are a couple of definitions of “perfectionist” to ponder:

  1. Perfectionist- a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, or others.
  2. Perfectionist- a propensity for being displeased with anything that is not perfect.

By looking at these definitions, wannabe “Perfectionists” set themselves up to demand something that’s unrealistic for themselves or others and become displeased when that standard isn’t met.  As for myself, I am as competitive of a person as there is and let me tell you I: strive to be the best, always demand excellence, expect amazing results, expect greatness, demand growth, shoot for the stars, dream big, expect my team do be second-to-none and do the same…; however I don’t have a lot of room for wannabe “Perfectionist” because… they aren’t perfect.

I will close with a quote I read from a Korean student Puhruen Chung; who scored a perfect36 on his ACT, Puhruen said “One of the most important things you can do is review what you have learned and concentrate on what your teachers teach.”   This statement is true for us as leaders, parents, Christ followers…  we can we review what we learn, learn from our mistakes, strive to be the best, aspire for greatness, demad excellence… and we also need to concentrate on what our mentors, leaders and most importantly what Jesus teaches us.

Perfectionists Aren’t Perfect… Transcend The Isms’

  • Are you a wannabe “Perfectionist” that needs to have a mental shift? 
  • What are your thoughts on “Perfectionists” & Have you experienced this mindset to be problematic?
  • http://thebralys.blogspot.com Kyndal

    You don’t have a lot of room for wannabe “perfectionists”? :)

  • Scott Williams

    I have a lot of room for performers that expect nothing less than excellence, I had an amazing admin. Who was an extreme performer and demanded excellence. :-)

  • http://www.annameadows.com Anna Meadows

    I think I USED to have a problem with demanding perfection from myself… I would often expect it from others as well, but being in ministry for two years now, I see how IMPOSSIBLE that is! I’ve been able to give it up by the GRACE of God, and realize HE doesn’t expect anything of me…

  • http://cari-okie.blogspot.com Cari Ogden

    Just read a short article about Ben Stein’s speech at OSU last night. He was there to tell the students in attendance how to ruin their lives.

    One tip on how to ruin your life: “Be a perfectionist,” Stein said, “If something isn’t going to be perfect, stay home and light a up a big Bob Marley-sized joint.” http://ocolly.com/

    So being a perfectionist might be an excuse for just not trying? Hmm.

  • http://whosreadsthisstuff.blogspot.com/ K Ford

    Did you misspell bottom on purpose? =) Sorry, I’m a recovering perf (yeah, that’s how I abbreviate it). It puts the focus on the small stuff rather than what’s most important.

  • Scott Williams

    Anna- You are very wise!
    Cari- Thanks for sharing… Ben Stein is sharp and witty!
    K-Ford- LOL Actually I didn’t mispell it on purpose and spell check caught it; now corrected; however I was going to title the post “Perfectionst Aren’t Perfect” instead of “Perfectionists Aren’t Perfect” to jack the wannabe perfectionists up. Attention to detail is great… Thanks for the comment. ;-)

  • jimmy paravane

    I think it depends on your point of view. Me, I know I’m far from perfect. On the other hand my grandchild IS perfect. I’d advise you not to suggest otherwise, at least to my face. (grin)
    So Scotty how bout yer kids? (grin)

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