Perfectionism: Why and How to Beat It - Insights from Behavioral Psychology and Pinterest's Ben Silbermann

Perfectionism: Why and How to Beat It - Insights from Behavioral Psychology and Pinterest's Ben Silbermann

Perfectionism is a trait that many people strive for, as it often equates to doing a great job. However, the problem lies in the rigidity and excessively high standards that perfectionists set for themselves. This rigidity can lead to burnout, neglect of other responsibilities, and a constant feeling of misery. The antidote to perfectionism is not eliminating rules altogether, but rather understanding the purpose of those rules and being flexible enough to follow them when they are helpful and disregard them when they are not.

In the behavioral psychology community, there are two types of rule following: tracking and pliance. Tracking refers to following a rule because it has been reinforced by positive outcomes in the past. Pliance, on the other hand, is following a rule because of social pressure. Perfectionism often stems from a combination of these two types of rule following.

To overcome perfectionism, it is crucial to examine when a rule is actually helpful and when it is not. This is known as contingency-shaped behavior, which involves letting your experiences teach you rather than rigidly following rules. A helpful way to guide your behavior is by identifying your values. Values are the directions you want your life to go in and the qualities of the journey you want to embark on. By framing your values as guideposts, they can help you navigate challenging circumstances and break free from the grip of perfectionism.

Pinterest's Ben Silbermann, the co-founder of the popular social media platform, offers valuable insights on turning a personal hobby into a successful product. Silbermann's passion for collecting led him to create Pinterest, as he realized that there was no platform to share the personal side of who people are through their collections. This unique perspective highlights the importance of allowing individuals to express themselves and share their interests authentically.

Silbermann emphasizes the power of small ideas, noting that they have the potential to become something big. He believes in the growth of Pinterest as a platform where people can share their interests and ideas. Early users, such as designers and bloggers, played a crucial role in shaping the tone and direction of the product. This highlights the significance of user feedback and involvement in the development of a successful product.

When it comes to monetization, Silbermann expresses a desire to avoid commodifying users' actions. He believes that doing so would cheapen the experience of using Pinterest. This aligns with the idea that user experience should not be compromised for the sake of monetization. By prioritizing user satisfaction and maintaining the integrity of the platform, Pinterest has been able to establish a loyal and engaged user base.

In conclusion, to overcome perfectionism, it is essential to understand the purpose of rules and be flexible in following them. Identifying and aligning with your values can serve as a guide in navigating challenging circumstances. Additionally, insights from successful entrepreneurs like Ben Silbermann remind us of the importance of allowing individuals to express themselves authentically and involving users in shaping the direction of a product. Prioritizing user experience over monetization can contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of a platform or product.

Three actionable advice to beat perfectionism:

1. Embrace flexibility: Recognize that rigidity in adhering to excessively high standards can lead to negative consequences. Be open to adjusting your approach and expectations when necessary.
2. Prioritize values: Identify your values and use them as guideposts in decision-making. Let them guide you in challenging circumstances and ensure that your actions align with what truly matters to you.
3. Seek user feedback: If you are developing a product or platform, involve users early on and listen to their feedback. Users can offer valuable insights and help shape the direction of your product.

Remember, perfectionism is not about eliminating the desire to do great work, but about finding a balance between high standards and flexibility. By understanding the purpose of rules, aligning with your values, and involving users in the development process, you can overcome perfectionism and achieve success.