Want To Get Better at Something? Stop Aiming for Perfect

Summary

To improve at a skill, it's recommended to avoid aiming for perfection and instead strive for consistent, high-level effort, such as 85%, to achieve better results without burning out.

Abstract

The pursuit of skill development is often hindered by the unattainable goal of perfection. The article suggests that at the outset, expecting flawlessness is impractical as one is bound to make mistakes and produce subpar work. Even for seasoned practitioners, the pursuit of perfection is misguided, as it is an unrealistic standard. Perfectionism adds unnecessary pressure and detracts from being present in the learning process. Instead, the article advocates for aiming for around 85% effort, which allows for sustained progress without the risk of burnout. This level of effort ensures that there is enough energy to continue improving over the long term. By consistently applying themselves at this level and reflecting on their progress, individuals can achieve significant improvements, which in turn motivates them to maintain this effort. The article encourages setting challenging yet realistic goals as a more effective strategy for skill acquisition.

Opinions

Perfection is an unattainable goal that does not exist in reality.
Pursuing perfection adds unnecessary self-inflicted pressure and distracts from the learning experience.
Aiming for 85% effort is more sustainable and reduces the likelihood of burnout.
Consistent effort at this 85% level leads to significant improvements and visible results.
Reflecting on progress fuels continued effort and motivation.
Setting realistic yet challenging goals is more beneficial for skill development than striving for perfection.

It’ll only hold you back

This image was generated with the assistance DALL-E2 AI.

If you’re looking to develop a skill, you need to stop aiming for perfect.

At the beginning, things will be far from perfect. Your work will be sloppy. You’ll make plenty of mistakes.

Even if you’ve been doing something for decades, you shouldn’t aim for perfect.

The reality is that perfection doesn’t exist.

Aiming for it adds to our self-inflicted pressure and takes us out of the moment.

Do your best. Aim for 85% effort.

With 85% effort, you won’t burn out so easily. You’ll have gas left in the tank and will be able to carry on for years to come.

At 85% effort, you’ll make great strides.

If you work hard consistently and reflect on where you’re going, you’ll see noticeable results.

And these results will fuel you to keep giving it 85% of your effort.

Set realistic goals that will still stretch you.