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Kill Perfectionism Now
Kill Perfectionism Now
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Overview

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali.

Let's be brutally honest, perfectionism is a potential black hole that will suck in your time, happiness and sanity. But wait, we hear you yell, can't it be useful? Well, we'd argue that there are times when striving for excellence or high standards can return amazing results, but such opportunities need to be selected intentionally, they are not the default. 

It's a fine line, but you likely know if you have perfectionist tendencies rather than just being that person who can strategically strive for excellence. One of the key differentiators is that perfectionists will be lost in the search for the perfect, rather than actually delivering on something useful or of value. Perfectionism actually becomes a blocker to success, not a driver to improve in such situations. More than a blocker, it can make your life miserable. 

So, if you're here for perfectionist tendencies, please dive into these models and frameworks we've curated to help you make the shift.

This Playbook includes the following sections, select a heading to jump to that section.
CHALLENGE YOUR PERFECTIONIST MINDSET
How do you challenge your deep seated need for perfectionism? We won't sugar coat it, if you've got the perfectionist bug bad, it will likely take some deep psychological reflection to shift it. That said, also use these ideas to challenge your thinking and assumptions.
Opportunity Cost
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Perhaps a reality check around the cost of perfectionism is in order? Consider the Opportunity Cost of you spending those extra two days on that thing that is actually good enough now.
Find out more about Opportunity Cost and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Kintsugi
This concept taken from Japanese pottery is a surprisingly impactful place to start your journey to kill perfectionism. It encourages you to celebrate mistakes and embrace imperfectionism.
Find out more about Kintsugi and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Return On Failure
Stop seeing failure as a problem, and start getting returns on the fails you are making with this powerful reframe.
Find out more about Return On Failure and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
First Principle Thinking
Keep it simple and get back to basics, by asking what is at the core of what you are trying to achieve, create or do.
Find out more about First Principle Thinking and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Law of Diminishing Returns
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Use this 'law' to remind yourself that more of a good thing will not necessarily return better results.
Find out more about Law of Diminishing Returns and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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PRACTICAL TOOLS TO CHALLENGE PERFECTIONISM.
Some general approaches that you can apply in many contexts to shift your perfectionist approach.
Inversion
Apply Inversion to stop trying to have a perfect day, and just focus on avoiding having a crappy one. The results will be surprisingly similar.
Find out more about Inversion and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Parkinson’s Law
Don't just rely on your ability to stop, Timebox or use a Forcing Function, find out more about both by clicking into our Parkinson's Law summary.
Find out more about Parkinson’s Law and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Diversification
Don't feel as though you only have one shot at success that you need to get absolutely right, instead provide yourself with a few options and avenues to move forward. This has risks though, as it might lead to spreading yourself to thin.
Find out more about Diversification and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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FOCUS ON VALUE DROPS.
Use these practical approaches to iterate and deliver regular value drops.
Minimum Viable Product
Don't wait until you're done, deliver a Minimum Viable Product so you can gain feedback and improve with user input.
Find out more about Minimum Viable Product and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Lean Startup
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Incorporating the MVP, this approach is about constantly iterating and improving your offer.
Find out more about Lean Startup and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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PRIORITISE FOR PROGRESS OVER PERFECTIONISM.
How do you decide on your next step and where to put your energy rather than focusing on trying to reach 'perfect' on that thing? Try these approaches.
The Pareto Principle
Understanding the Pareto Principle is knowing where to spend your energy for the biggest impact, and knowing that going beyond that will only deliver Diminishing Returns.
Find out more about The Pareto Principle and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Surface Area of Luck
Want to create a break for that thing you're working on? Then be sure to get your message out into the world. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be seen so you can catch that lucky break.
Find out more about Surface Area of Luck and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
MoSCoW Method
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When you break down your list of requirements, what are your 'Must Haves'? Start to prioritise them with this simple, popular method.
Find out more about MoSCoW Method and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Impact Effort Matrix
Have options about how you or your team are planning to spend your time? Throw them in this classic matrix to make some key trade offs.
Find out more about Impact Effort Matrix and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Kano Model
Where should you just deliver the basics and where should you go that extra mile and strive for excellence? It's a tough question but the Kano Model is here to help solve it.
Find out more about Kano Model and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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MAKE AN IMPERFECT DECISION.
To finish off this list, how do you overcome perfectionism and make that next decision? Try these approaches.
High-Velocity Decisions
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Finally, let's end with Amazon's approach to maintaining a start-up culture by embracing High-Velocity Decisions and a bias to action over perfectionism.
Find out more about High-Velocity Decisions and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
OODA Loop
With links back to our earlier discussion of iterating your way forward, this approach that came from training fighter pilots will help you to take cycles of actions through complex environments.
Find out more about OODA Loop and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Pugh Matrix
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A useful way to take Satisificing through a practical, considered process. Use the Pugh Matrix to compare several options against your current state or baseline.
Find out more about Pugh Matrix and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Satisficing
According to Simon's work on Bounded Rationality, the idea of a totally rational decision-making process is just that, an idea. In reality, you might be better Satisficing, by identifying your requirements and stopping at the first option that delivers.
Find out more about Satisficing and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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