The Two Sides of Perfectionism

Marco Aurelio GV
Dec 27, 2024
3 min read

People say that "whoever has an obsession with perfection has an incurable disease". I’m inclined to agree. Self-criticism always pushes perfectionists to the edge. Nonetheless, perfectionism like Moon does not only have its dark side. We can see its bright side as well. So let's DEEP DIVE on this complicated issue.

The Perfectionist Through History

Throughout history, perfectionists have shared similar psychoses—namely, the insistence that work must be flawless and error-free. This behavior transcends time and culture. The first filter of scrutiny is always the perfectionists themselves. Adding to this challenge, a new tool has emerged that can either help or hinder them:

So I dare to ask: has AI arrived to enhance the perfectionist's work—or to disrupt it? For now, it depends on the algorithm programmers generate. What next? We just don't know so far!

The Role of AI in Pursuing Excellence

In 2023, I wrote an essay called, "Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Writers?". The answer is simple: of course not (again: until when?). For the time being, AI cannot emulate a writer's style. On the other hand, AI might elevate the number of lazy individuals,i.e. the brain can reduce its neural activities. The result may be the worst for mankind. Will humans get dumber? If so, perfectionists can be extinct very soon. The brain might finish the work...

Neuroplasticity may pave the way for this grim outlook. Where this trend will ultimately lead remains uncertain.

One of the Perfectionist's Greatest "Drama"!

One of the biggest hurdles for a perfectionist is knowing when to stop. Endless revisions before delivering their work can lead to burnout, potentially compromising everything they’ve achieved.

Avoiding this kind of loop is a critical skill for any self-aware perfectionist. To that end, they must set clear boundaries to finalize their work. For instance, if a project meets around 95% of its requirements, it should be considered ready for submission.

Enter the "Perfect" Kafkaesque Dilemma

Such challenges seem fitting to categorize under the famous "Kafkaesque dilemma." For those unfamiliar, this term refers to an absurd, oppressive, or inescapable situation, often associated with the feeling of being trapped in a labyrinth that stifles inspiration. The term originates from the works of Czech writer Franz Kafka.

In essence, a Kafkaesque dilemma arises when someone feels stuck in a cycle of frustration, where logic and common sense seem inapplicable.

Despite its difficulties, perfectionism isn’t entirely negative. Like everything in life, it has dual aspects.

The Two Sides of Perfectionism

As we are constantly in motion, our goal is to be perfect—or as close to it as possible—even though we know that perfection is unattainable. Like all things in life, perfectionism has two sides.

Negative Sides of Perfectionism:

Anxiety about achieving the best
Procrastination due to fear of failure
Difficulty accepting mistakes
Excessive focus on details
Reluctance to delegate tasks

Positive Aspects of Perfectionism:

High-quality output
Dedication
Motivation
Organization
Reliability

In Meditations, the philosopher-emperor and stoic, Marcus Aurelius cautions perfectionists: “The obsessive pursuit of excellence cannot be tied to the quest for perfect results.”

In other words, my namesake advises that we must accept whatever outcomes arise with serenity and resilience, even as we strive for perfection. The true perfectionist recognizes perfection even in imperfection and refuses to be imprisoned by unattainable goals.

Conclusion

From an optimistic perspective, the best approach is to embrace perfectionism as a motivating and transformative force and avoid the radicalism that stems from excessive self-demand.

So I finish this "imperfect" essay by quoting one of the most "perfect" artists of all time: