If you think about watering your bamboo, you know it takes years and years of watering your career, business, or leadership to see results. That’s why perfectionism doesn’t work on the Bamboo Farm.
As a fully recovered perfectionist, I can tell you that being a perfectionist is one of the most hurtful and unhealthy things I’ve ever done to myself. Perfectionism is crazy and delusional because there is no one person that is perfect. Think about it this way, when you see someone successful, you only see their finished product; you don’t see the mistakes made, the years of failed businesses, or broken relationships.
Even think about my two books, Water the Bamboo and What’s Going Well? – you got the final versions - hopefully. You didn’t see the first draft, the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. I edited it and edited it until it was ready, but they weren’t perfect and still aren’t.
Do you know the best way to tell a real diamond from a fake one? The real one has flaws. It’s the same with people. The best way to tell a real person from a fake one - the real one has flaws.
“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life”
Trust me, I’ve met thousands of Bamboo Farmers over the years, and none are perfect. They embrace their true, authentic, and imperfect selves.
Psychologists say that there are three kinds of perfectionists:
Social-oriented: these people are concerned about how others perceive them. They are concerned about looking perfect, what kind of car they drive to impress others, and appearing a certain way on social media.
Self-Critical: these types of perfectionists pick on themselves for not being perfect.
Outwardly-focused: these people demand others to be perfect.
Here are six ideas that can help you overcome perfectionism:
Set realistic expectations of yourself
Be quick to forgive yourself for mistakes
Focus on getting better, not being perfect
Practice self-compassion
Adopt a growth mindset
Avoid comparing yourself to others
Think about watering your bamboo. It starts small, and it doesn’t grow overnight. The process is not perfect, and some of the bamboo might not even grow. It’s a natural process, not a perfect one. So, continue to think about it from that perspective because perfect is not real.
“If you want to butcher your joy, motivation, or inspiration, just start comparing yourself to others.”
This post is based on a podcast episode by Greg Bell.
Listen below for the full episode: