When you’re passionate about something, you want it to be all it can be. But in the endgame of life, I fundamentally believe the key to happiness is letting go of that idea of perfection. ~Debra Messing

To strive for perfection is at best an unrealistic goal or at worst a convenient excuse for avoidance.

Honestly, is perfection even possible? Isn't there always room for improvement, for changes in function, ability, design to be just a little bit better? To add perspective from another? To change our own perspective?

Setting a goal of perfection can be driven by an unhealthy model for what success really looks like. This can lead to stagnation, unproductive activities, or lack of work all together. Even in the act of writing this blog my own tendencies for perfectionism has caused me to overthink this post. Most of us suffer from perfectionism at some level and to be truly successful one must adopt the tools to overcome these perfectionistic tendencies.

You have the ability to do amazing things - to create, to inspire, to motivate - but these things are only of good use if you are willing to settle for less than perfect and launch them into the world. Without this willingness to progress, despite the lack of perfection, your work will stagnate.

Certainly I am not advising that you settle for substandard or even standard work - rather, I am suggesting that you strive for excellence... that sweet spot just shy of perfection.  The place where solid work receives the go ahead to launch and progress becomes a natural, regular flow of your business.

• Make the presentation.

• Submit the proposal.

• Publish the blog post.

• Write the book.

• Create the art.

Whatever “it” is for you - strive for excellence, strive for progress.... avoid perfection.

In what area is your progress stalled due to striving for perfection? Let's talk about it in the comments below.