As long as we grow, it’s all good

I found a fascinating tool called the multidimensional perfectionism scale.

It’s a widely used psychological assessment that measures factors like personal standards and concern over mistakes, often linked to overthinking and over analysis, especially in hyper critical individuals.

But rather than taking the test itself, since that would only lead to more analysis, I decided to reverse and repurpose its content as my own imperfectionist manifesto. It also rhymes like a kids book, so both more fun and more useful.

Think of this as a conversation to have with yourself and others to keep enjoyment high, and analysis at bay.

• If you want to give up easily, sure.
• If you want to accept second best, that’s pure.
• If your work doesn’t reach top notch quality, that’s fair.
• If you don’t try your hardest, then we’re square.
• If you are not interested in striving to better yourself, that’s chill.
• If you won’t work to your full potential at all times, that’s your will.
• If you don’t have very high goals for yourself, gotcha still.

Just writing those words makes me feel calmer. I’m sure the perfectionists of the world are getting hives as they read this, but the philosophy works for me.

Maybe because it’s bordering on religious. People of deep faith believe perfection is reserved for god himself, and there’s no use relying on our own efforts to achieve flawlessness.

That’s where grace comes in. We sin, we miss the mark, we fall short of the glory of the lord, and that’s okay. God has our back. And along the way, we cultivate virtues like compassion, humility and resilience. No need to pursue the impossible standard of perfection. As long as we grow, it’s all good.

Now, you don’t have to believe in god to embrace that philosophy. You don’t have to subscribe to organized religion to discern meaning from such a mindset.

Progress over perfection is a very humanistic notion. Faith isn’t necessary to make it work.

Pretty cool, huh? In a world where perfectionism is only becoming more commonplace, we need   philosophies like this.

Did you know perfectionism has become more prevalent over recent decades, particularly among younger generations?

Perfectionism has significantly increased since the late eighties, jumping by over thirty percent. People perceive that others are more demanding of them, are more demanding of others, and are more demanding of themselves.

Why? Because according to the study, cultures have become more individualistic, materialistic, and socially antagonistic since the late eighties. Young people face more competitive environments, more unrealistic expectations, and more anxious and controlling parents than generations before.

Well then. All the more reason to promote my manifesto.

If there was ever a time in human history to optimize for enjoyment over critique, now would be it.