What is perfect to you? Do you do things “right” or do you do them “over-right?” If we do more than is necessary in an obsessive attempt at perfection we waste time and energy. Are you spending time tweaking a project for a client who would be happy with the job as is? Would the job work perfectly as is? If so, you’re wasting your time and your client’s (family’s, friend’s, … ) money.
Another thing to note is why you need to overdo. Are you stuck in a groove and can’t get out when it’s time to move on? Do you like how it feels when you’re being obsessive? You may be addicted to this type of stressful energy. Do you feel you’re more in control if it’s absolutely perfect as you see it? You’re not. Being in control is an illusion (but that’s a topic for another blog). Are you afraid of failure if you don’t do it right?
A client turned me on to a great question to ask yourself when you’re working on a task: “Are you polishing the underside of the banister that no one sees?” Perfect can get picky and when it does we’re wasting our time and energy. There are many reasons to justify working to perceived perfection. It may not be appropriate. As it turns out doing it right may not mean doing it perfectly.