Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing

Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing

Harriet Braiker, a renowned psychologist and author, once said, “Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.” This statement holds a profound truth that many individuals can relate to in their personal and professional lives. Braiker's words highlight the importance of setting realistic goals and expectations for oneself, rather than chasing an unattainable standard of perfection.

When we strive for excellence, we are driven by a desire to improve and grow. We set high standards for ourselves and work diligently towards achieving them. This pursuit of excellence pushes us to do our best, learn from our mistakes, and continuously strive for progress. It fuels our motivation and inspires us to reach new heights of success.

On the other hand, striving for perfection can be demoralizing and counterproductive. Perfection is an unrealistic and unattainable standard that can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and burnout. When we fixate on achieving perfection, we become overly critical of ourselves and our work. We may become paralyzed by fear of failure or rejection, leading to procrastination and a lack of productivity.

Harriet Braiker's insight reminds us that it is important to embrace our imperfections and recognize that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. By focusing on excellence rather than perfection, we can cultivate a growth mindset and approach challenges with resilience and determination. We can celebrate our achievements, no matter how small, and use setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.