# Perfectionism **Domain:** Psychology / Performance / Creativity **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Perfectionism is the attempt to prevent error, judgment, or uncertainty by requiring an unrealistically complete state before action is allowed to begin.** ## Mechanism and Practice When preparation becomes a substitute for exposure to real work, perfectionism blocks the feedback required for improvement. Imperfect action creates information; endless readiness preserves fear. ## Relationships [[wiki/Creative Process|Creative Process]] · [[wiki/New Beginnings|New Beginnings]] · [[wiki/Self-Compassion|Self-Compassion]] ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Preparation can become procrastination. Buying equipment, researching tools, and waiting for the perfect setup can replace actually starting. Beginning with what is available and improving along the way is how real work begins.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Breaking Automatic Patterns and Reclaiming Agency - Livestream (Sep 2016)* [[reminders/New Beginnings/Begin With What Is Available by Bryant McGill|Begin With What Is Available by Bryant McGill]] > “Perfectionism stalls progress. Style evolves with practice, and comparing early work to someone else's later work discourages beginnings. Starting anywhere and improving publicly is the reliable path.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Building Thought Leadership Through Documented Practice - Livestream (Feb 2016)* [[reminders/New Beginnings/Starting Anywhere Is the Reliable Path by Bryant McGill|Starting Anywhere Is the Reliable Path by Bryant McGill]] > “Perfectionism can prevent action altogether. Fear of choosing the wrong step may keep a person from starting at all. Progress favors imperfect beginnings.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Gentle Invitation and Release for Solving Problems Without Force - Livestream (Oct 2016)* [[reminders/New Beginnings/Progress Favors Imperfect Beginnings by Bryant McGill|Progress Favors Imperfect Beginnings by Bryant McGill]]