One often hears the advice that we should strive for perfection, in order to maximize our potential. However, there is a fine line between striving for perfection, and being fixated on that achievement. Either
fortunately or unfortunately, the reality is that no one is truly perfect. Some are certainly much closer than others, but perfection is beyond human reach.
Nevertheless, there is some real benefit derived from striving for perfection. In today's world, in far too many instances, mediocrity has not only become the norm, but what many people strive for. Comments like, "I just want to pass," or "As long as it's okay," or "I'll do my best," are often symptoms of today's society, where many people even condemn individuals who strive for perfection.
When we examine our world, I believe we would all agree that there are many things that could be done better. We often complain about bad service, shoddy workmanship, inferior quality, yet, it seems that most of us simply accept these things as "facts of life," and "beyond our control." Much of the obstacles standing in the way of improving are attitudes like these. We can, and we must, do better, if we are to evolve and improve as a civilization.
When one strives for perfection, he is truly striving to be all that he can be. It is more than merely saying that "I'll try," which is usually paramount to an admission of defeat and a pre- excuse
exercise. True striving for perfection demands a higher level of functionality. It demands planning, thinking, creative ideas, situational analysis, and challenging what may have become the status quo. One who strives for perfection is not willing to merely settle for the easiest or quickest solution or course of action, but prefers to decide based on a comprehensive analysis of circumstances, a determination of the facts (in as unbiased a manner as possible), putting one's plan "down on paper," examining the pros and cons, and understanding ramifications of actions or inactions, A perfectionist sees things as they should be, instead of as they currently are, or as others might believe should be. Striving for perfection is often a lonely quest.
There is a very fine line between the attempt to achieve perfection, and fixating on a situation. The fixator is often myopic when it comes to an analysis of the "big picture," fixating on one or a few details, and lacking the ability or self-confidence to make a decision. Perfection is not a stalling technique, and requires an action to be taken. Often, fixation causes a lack of positive action, perhaps due to fear, lack of confidence, or inability to adapt and visualize things as they should be. Individuals who fixate often stress "old occurrences, old ideas, or old events." They often get "hung up" on certain things, and cannot go beyond that detail. One who fixates can in no way strive for perfection.
Is perfection something desirable? Yes, in the situation, that the individual attempting to be perfect has the "skill set," the personality, and strong self- confidence required for this quest. This, however, is the rare individual. Others without that skill set can help things get better than they are by avoiding fixating, "opening their minds," and permitting themselves to be exposed to alternatives. Undoubtedly, our world would be better if more competent individuals, more often, strove for perfection.