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Ask HN: How did you overcome perfectionism?

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Re: Ask HN: How did you overcome perfectionism?

#131

One of the things that helped me a lot was realising that software is never "done". There's always more to do. Take a look at the simplest tool from coreutils: true. It's git log spans over 22 years. So accept that there's no point where your project can be done (i.e. your ideal) and learn to love the process instead. As long as you're moving in the direction of that unreachable ideal and making progress you're doing…

> coreutils: true. It's git log spans over 22 years.

Now I’m really curious. What do you possibly need to add to it over the course of 22 years?

Re: Ask HN: How did you overcome perfectionism?

#132
Hi Anand,

"Wabi-sabi" - perfection in imperfection...

This can be as easy or difficult as you choose it to be. It's seems to me like you could you use a small dose of tough love. So here goes... If you really believe you can be perfect, then you're delusional. However from the quality of your question I'd be willing to bet you're not, so that begs the question, why do you insist on torturing yourself?

If you're a sucker for a pain then keep on.

If you want to be happy however, why not start by realizing or accepting that perfection is not necessarily what you seek but the learning on the journey while we attempt to reach that perfection is the true experience here. Enjoy the ride brother, life's short, smile, be happy, appreciate what you have and keep on keeping on.

You will not reach perfection until you realize you must accept being perfectly imperfect. And when you reach that place where you see your Wabi-sabi you'll be good to go.

I hope this helped in some small way.

Sincerely, Jean-Pierre

p.s.- if you want, checkout your cortisol levels (stress), thyroid and overall health for stress markers as it could possibly lead to serious issues if left unattended. You can go to a blood lab without having to visit a doctor for a prescription, just go to www.PrivateMDlabs.com (full disclosure, I'm the ceo there).

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