Perfectionism: Why and How to Beat It: Designing a Better Thinking-Writing Medium

Perfectionism: Why and How to Beat It: Designing a Better Thinking-Writing Medium

Perfectionism is a common trait that many people struggle with. It involves having excessively high standards and rigidly adhering to those standards. While the desire to do great work is not the issue, the rigidity around those standards can lead to burnout, neglect of other responsibilities, and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction. To overcome perfectionism, it is important to understand the purpose of your rules and be flexible in following them when necessary.

In the behavioral psychology community, there are two kinds of rule following: tracking and pliance. Tracking refers to following a rule that has been reinforced by positive outcomes in the past, while pliance is following a rule because of social pressure. Perfectionism often stems from a combination of these two factors. We hold onto our rules so tightly that we become blind to situations where they may not be helpful.

The antidote to perfectionism lies in understanding our values. Values are the directions we want our lives to go in and the qualities we want to embody. By identifying our values, we can use them as guideposts when faced with challenging circumstances and the grip of perfectionism. Goals, on the other hand, have an end date and can leave us feeling lost once accomplished. Values provide a sense of purpose and motivation that is always available to us.

It is important to differentiate between rules we follow because we think we should and rules we follow because we truly want the results. Socially expected standards of behavior may pressure us into following certain rules, but it is crucial to align our actions with our intrinsic desires. Awareness plays a significant role in overcoming perfectionism. By consistently practicing awareness, we can gain the freedom to detach from our thoughts and feelings.

Once we have created space between ourselves and our thoughts, we can focus on returning to our values. Following our values allows for variability in behavior, which is essential for growth and learning. It is through this process that we can break free from the rigid mindset of perfectionism.

Now, let's shift our focus to the concept of designing a better thinking-writing medium. Writing is not just a record of our thoughts; it is the medium through which we can consciously think. Our brains excel at thinking in the present moment, but struggle to maintain thoughts over extended periods. Writing helps bridge this gap by allowing us to think across time.

Taking notes helps us preserve our thoughts, even when they are not at the forefront of our minds. We can lay out our ideas on paper, move them around, and explore them at our leisure. Writing creates a space for our thoughts, freeing up mental bandwidth and facilitating a deeper exploration of our ideas.

Chris Granger makes an interesting distinction between tools and mediums. Tools enhance existing workflows, making them more efficient, while mediums empower us to do things we couldn't do before. To develop a thinking-writing medium, we need a tool that not only aids our thinking process but also facilitates the expression of our ideas.

Combining the concepts of overcoming perfectionism and designing a better thinking-writing medium, we can see the potential for growth and self-improvement. Overcoming perfectionism requires flexibility and awareness, while a better thinking-writing medium allows for clearer ideas and more conscious thinking.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help overcome perfectionism and enhance your thinking and writing process:

1. Identify your values: Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and what you want your life to embody. Use these values as guideposts when faced with perfectionistic tendencies.

2. Practice awareness: Cultivate the habit of being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings. This awareness will give you the freedom to detach from unhelpful perfectionistic thoughts and choose how to behave.

3. Embrace variability in behavior: Instead of rigidly adhering to self-imposed rules, allow yourself to explore different approaches and embrace the learning that comes from variability. This will expand your thinking and writing capabilities.

In conclusion, perfectionism is a mindset characterized by excessively high standards and rigidity. By understanding the purpose of our rules and being flexible in following them, we can overcome perfectionism. Additionally, designing a better thinking-writing medium can enhance our ability to think across time and express our ideas more effectively. By incorporating the actionable advice provided, you can begin the journey of beating perfectionism and improving your thinking and writing processes.