Perfectionism and procrastination have such a fine line. You say, 'Well, I want it to be good. I want it to be perfect.' But what you're really doing is not doing your work. You're putting off showing up and being visible because then you're going to be judged, and it might suck.
Interpretation
Perfectionism can hinder progress by causing procrastination due to the fear of judgment.
This quote highlights the detrimental relationship between perfectionism and procrastination. It suggests that the pursuit of perfection often leads individuals to delay their work, as they become fearful of how their output will be received. Instead of taking action, they get caught in a cycle of wanting everything to be flawless, which ultimately prevents them from creating or sharing their ideas with the world.
In practice
During a motivational speech about overcoming procrastination.
We humans can get used to anything. It really is remarkable. The problem is that we often use this glorious ability of ours to stay stuck in mediocrity. Oh, the years we waste adapting to lousy marriages, soul-sucking jobs, being friends with people who are rude to waitresses.
Between the great things we cannot do and the small things we will not do, the danger is that we shall do nothing.
Every man's task [his 'great dream' and impassioned life-goal] is his life preserver.
I have far more confidence in the one man who works mentally and bodily at a matter than in the six who merely talk about it.
Do not wait for enough time or money to accomplish what you think you have in mind. Work with what you have right now. Work with the people around you right now…. Do not wait for what you assume is the appropriate, stress-free environment in which to generate expression…. Do not wait till you are sure that you know what you are doing…. What you do now, what you make of your present circumstances, will determine the quality and scope of your future endeavors.
When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.
The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field - that unstoppable power of hope resides right within your own heart. It wells up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being."
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