Why Perfectionism is the Enemy of Progress

In today's society, we are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be perfect. Whether it's in the media, at work, or even in our personal relationships, we are constantly being told that we need to strive for perfection. But what if I were to tell you that perfectionism is nothing more than an illusion? That's right; perfectionism is not real. It's something that we made up in our minds, and it's something that is holding us back from achieving our true potential.

The first thing you need to understand about perfectionism is that it is a Learned Behavior. We are not born with a predisposition towards perfectionism; it is something that we develop over time. Perfectionism is often the result of us internalizing the standards and expectations of those around us. For example, if you grew up in a household where your parents expects you to get straight A's in school, then chances are you will develop into a perfectionist.

The problem with perfectionism is that it leads to unrealistic expectations. When we set our sights too high, we are bound to be disappointed when we don't reach our goals. This can lead to a feeling of inadequacy and incompetence. Additionally, striving for perfectionism can lead to unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety. So why do we do it? Why do we put ourselves through all this pain and suffering? The answer is simple: because we believe that if we can just achieve perfection, then we will finally be happy.

The truth is, though, that happiness does not come from achieving perfection. Happiness comes from within. It comes from accepting yourself for who you are and finding joy in the journey, imperfections and all. Embrace your imperfections and learn to love yourself for who you are. Only then will you be able to truly achieve happiness and progress in life.