The Perfectionist Diary

    

                                         

We all have those infallible friends who desire things to be done in a particular level of standards that only few can attain. To them, the best is not best enough until it is exceptionally perfect. They want the assignment done in an ideal manner, clothes ironed in a particular way, sing until you sing, in case it is singing time! According to this friend, the best others can offer is mediocre regardless their insurmountable efforts.

It is relatively unfortunate that a number of us find these friends to be a big pester. This is because sometimes they have a way of looking at things through their perfectionist lens which makes them disapprove the best others toil to attain. It must be the most nagging thing next to slow internet.

In most cases, we send them into Coventry, and for all intents and purposes, we are justified. Other times we keep that one who we cannot lose anyway.

However, there are many ways we can leverage on this lucrative trait. If you are careful enough, you will notice that the world is successfully controlled by individuals who look at things through perfectionist lenses. Yes! You heard me right.

It will daze you also that your favorite series, drama, movie or rom-com is as a result of a perfectionist actor, producer or the director who hated shoddy work to come up with the impressive work you enjoy.

Take, for example, your favorite song on your playlist. It is undoubtedly as a result of a perfectionist who could not settle for anything short of perfect. That alone explains why the song is on repeat mode! It could be as a result of a producer who hates mediocrity or an artist who could not put up with cacophonous vocals.

Think about your dream car! Someone put on a pair perfectionist glasses to come up the grandeur machine that will make you put a strain on your bank account for you to have it.

The list is longer than my arm.

Consequently, perfectionists need to mature up. I will define maturity here using Steve Covey’s words in his book, the seven habits of highly effective people. He says that it is the act of being considerate and courageous at the same time. Considerate in the sense that we put up with each other’s weaknesses and find a way of complimenting them with our strengths, an act that leads to synergy. Courageous implies that we are ready to confront mediocrity at all cost while being considerate not to hurt the other party.

Perfectionism and maturity is a tough combo to beat but leaving one unattended is like clasping a time bomb.

In my stance, it is high time we moved away from this warped way of thinking that perfectionists are a bother. It is that time we embraced this feckful character trait that turns the world upside down. You will be astounded on how it can yield to you as an individual and as a team.  

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About Jesse Mugambi

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