Making peace with ‘good enough’

Perfectionism is often presented as a positive trait. At job interviews people are encouraged to say it is a ‘weakness’ of theirs because, let’s face, it no interviewer is going to say, ‘Oh you like doing perfect work? Well, I can’t hire you.’

I used to think of it as a positive trait too, but upon reflection I would wager that it actually hinders me just as much as it helps me, if not more.

I’ve always struggled with needing to do everything perfectly. From needing to produce the perfect schoolwork, to having to make ‘just the right’ breakfast containing the right amount of protein, good fats and fibre. To getting dressed in the morning and creating the perfect outfit — the one that perfectly communicates my personality in just the right way.

To be perfectly honest, its suffocating.

It doesn’t help that when I open TikTok or Instagram I’m met with perfectly curated photos and videos showing just how perfect other people’s outfits, lunches and lives are.

This need to be perfect is... probably tied to my fear of failure.

Why would I try when I know that anything short of shooting for the stars — and making it — is enough.

But then, why can’t good, simply be enough.

I have been trying really hard this past year to allow good to be enough, funnily enough, I’m actually getting more done. I’ve been completing my university assignments with time to spare. And what’s more, I’m actually getting pretty close to the grades I wanted in the first place.

I have to keep reminding myself that something is better than nothing.

And yes, I could simply not try and keep all my potential hidden away in my head where it is safe from observation, safe from criticism, safe from failure.

But I know that if I do that my whole life I will get to my deathbed and have a ridiculous amount of regret. A little dramatic, but you get my point.

I’m slowly learning that doing something imperfectly doesn’t mean I’ve failed, sometimes it just means that I’ve actually done the thing. The assignment has been submitted, the outfit has been worn, the idea has made it out of my head and into the world.

So I’m slowly learning that ‘good enough’ doesn’t necessarily mean lowering my standards, it just means being aware of when my standards stop helping me and start getting in my way.

I’d rather regret trying and doing okay than doing nothing and being left with nothing but wistful what ifs.