Simple Shifts Forward Podcast
Episode 010: When Great is Better Than Perfect (S3E10)
Clarity Chat: When Great is Better Than Perfect. Chasing perfect may look like high standards, but it often steals time, energy, and even connection. Dana shares personal stories about her husband and daughter that taught her the value of stopping at “great.” Learn how to let go of perfection and apply the 90% rule in your own life.
You’ll learn:
• How perfectionism undermines progress and relationships.
• Why “great” is often better than “perfect”.
• How to save time and energy by applying the 90% rule.
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“Perfect isn’t always perfect — sometimes great is actually better.”
Full Transcript
Hi, I’m Dana. Let’s talk about why chasing perfect can hold you back — and how it can even affect relationships.
Perfectionism is something I have wrestled with for years.
I’d redo something not because it wasn’t fine, but because I thought I could do it better.
Here’s a story for you. I’ve been married to my husband for 30 years. When we were newly married, I remember a time when we had guests coming and my sweet husband offered to help me clean the bathroom (I think it was actually my in-laws, which ratcheted up the stress a bit more than usual LOL). He was working hard at cleaning that bathroom, and instead of being grateful, I waited until he was doing something else, and I redid his work! Because it wasn’t “to my level of perfect.”
Well, as you can imagine, he found out because he caught me in the act. He felt undermined, like his help wasn’t valued. And honestly, he didn’t want to help again.
I thought to myself, this is a good lesson to learn…But then guess what?
Years later, I repeated the pattern with my pre-teen daughter. She was cleaning her bathroom as part of her chores, and I immediately pointed out what she’d missed. Her response? “You do it then.” “Oh man! I did it again!” She felt criticized, and I felt terrible for falling back into that perfectionism trap, and I was disappointed in myself because I thought I had learned that lesson long ago.
The Trap of Perfect: Perfect steals time and connection. It delays progress, drains energy, and creates tension with the people we love.
Why not try using a new standard of Great instead of perfect… “Great” frees you. It saves time, preserves relationships, and lets you move forward.
Try the 90% Rule: if it’s already at 90%, stop. That last 10% usually takes the most energy for the least payoff. And can take down a relationship in seconds.
So, you’re here’s your question for today… Where are you chasing perfect right now? What would “great” look like instead
In closing:
As I say goodbye for today, I want to close with a reminder for us all to aim for great, not perfect. You’ll free your time, protect your energy, and maybe even strengthen your relationships.
Thanks for joining me — I’ll be back soon with another gentle nudge.
💭 Reflection Prompt:
Where are you chasing perfect right now?
What would “great” look like instead?
Your Next Steps
