How to avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism
by
BiotechAusway
11 Oct 2025
1. Embrace Imperfect Action
Perfectionism often stems from waiting for an ideal moment that never arrives.
Instead, focus on taking action even with incomplete preparation.
As described in the “Ready Trap” concept, over-pursuing flawlessness can drain motivation and delay progress.
👉 Growth happens through action, not just preparation.
2. Reframe Self-Talk
Replace rigid expectations with balanced, realistic self-talk. For example:
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“The result could be better or worse than I expect — both are equally likely.”
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“I can choose my next steps regardless of the information I receive.”
This approach counters pessimism while avoiding toxic positivity.
3. Set Realistic Standards
Avoid binary thinking (e.g., “perfect” vs. “failure”).
Aim for “good enough” by prioritizing progress over perfection.
💡 Example: In coding, iterative improvements through reviews are more effective than waiting for a flawless first draft.
4. Limit Over-Planning
Excessive preparation often masks fear of failure.
As Silicon Valley investors suggest:
“Discover needs through action, not just planning.”
Start small, test assumptions, and refine as you go.
5. Simplify and Focus
Perfectionism leads to unnecessary complexity. Streamline tasks by:
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Letting go of non-essential details.
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Focusing on core objectives.