PERFECTION VS EXCELLENCE
The Key Differences Between Perfection and Excellence In Design And Beyond
Design is so important. Design is powerful. Design can, has and will changed lives forever. Design is so important even if people call it “just making things pretty” it makes me feel some type of a way. This post is dedicated to the person who called me a perfectionist. Bon appetite darling.
The space between perfection, excellence and mediocrity is such an interesting one to me. Someone that I used to respect and care so much about called me a “perfectionist” recently because of their own life existing in a space of mediocrity, self-doubt and lack. I really thought about this long and hard. Below are my thoughts in case you are reflecting on this yourself.
Your Excellent Work Ethic Cannot Be Dismissed As Perfection
I’d love to mention a little about my personal work ethic first. First of all, I have to admit, I am known among my friends as a workaholic (and not necessarily a proud one), but things have to get done as I have huge dreams for my life. Since graduating from Parsons School of Design back in 2014 I have practiced my design almost every single day of my life. When I walk around New York City I get inspired by ads, store windows, artwork, menus and online with various websites as well as wherever you find design (which is basically anywhere).
After so many years I am able to tell what good design is and I am able to produce high quality work more efficiently than others. On top of my design background I also love deep diving into various business models, which gives me that extra edge over everyone else.
When this mediocre person delivered extremely low quality work and it was my job to make sure it’s the best, I ensured I delivered the feedback in the most compassionate way. On top of that, it was my job from start to finish. It really hurt when someone called me a perfectionist based on the work that I put in during countless late nights, skipped lunches and missed outings with friends.
Thankfully, I was able to come up with some logical thoughts about my own encounter. So, I’m begging you. Every time you deliver excellence it makes the world a little bit more prettier, happier, and beautiful.
Working in a perfectionist state and delivering excellence based on passion, skill and hard work… NOT the same!
always remember that your talent is your magic. Protect your magic at all cost.
—> Loving what you do and striving to be excellent, passionate, inspired and produce high quality work is NOT the same as being a perfectionist. Not even close.
—> Working hard every single day to become a better at what you love is NOT being a perfectionist
—> Having pride in your work and years of experience to produce quality work is NOT being a perfectionist
If you strive every day to be excellent and produce excellent things every day, I applaud you. Keep being excellent. Excellence is not perfectionism. Excellence is what we all should strive to become, because the opposite of it is mediocrity. NEVER settle for being mediocre.
So, Here is the difference between perfection and excellence
Perfectionism is where you don’t want to be
If you are a perfectionist you probably set unrealistic goals for yourself and it can lead to frustration, burnout and it is self-defeating. You are so focused on not making any mistakes that you can’t move forward. This is not good and you should never be this kind of a person.
Excellence is what we should all deliver on daily basis
Doing your absolute best, learning from your mistakes and taking pride in your work is what excellence means to me. It means that when you strive for it, you’re not afraid to fail, try new things and take a risk. You’re always celebrating the little wins along the way and the big successes.
Excellence helps to set an example for others
When you are an excellent human being and a professional there is a little bit of a positive side effect. You start setting good example for yourself and building your discipline, but you also inspire others to become excellent. You inspire them to become their best, to chase their dreams, to take risk. It has a positive impact on your immediate circle and it also creates ripples in society that will go far and wide.
So, if you're looking to make a difference in the world, don't be a perfectionist. Be an excellent human being. Strive to do your best, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes. And most importantly, inspire others to do the same. I applaud you.
