From childhood, we are often encouraged to come first in everything, to always strive for the top. This, however, is a zero-sum game because there can only be one first place. This mindset forces everyone into a pursuit of perfection. The real problem arises when this obsession with perfection prevents us from even starting something new unless we believe we can do it flawlessly.
The root of this issue lies in the ego. The ego constructs grand ideas about itself and others, holding a high opinion of its own abilities. It convinces us that we are only capable of producing great work, and anything less would tarnish our self-image. This belief becomes a trap—an avoidance mechanism to shield ourselves from failure. The fear of failure isn’t just about the act of failing; it’s about the ego’s resistance to having its grand illusions shattered.
By avoiding failure, we inadvertently avoid growth. The ego clings to the safety of its constructed identity, choosing inaction over the vulnerability of imperfection. This cycle stifles creativity, progress, and ultimately, our potential to achieve anything meaningful.
And, in a delightful twist of irony, I sought the help of an AI tool to refactor my intial writeup so it could be “perfect.” So much for embracing imperfection—but hey, nobody’s perfect, right?