Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be a great motivator, pushing us to do our best and achieve great things. On the other hand, it can be a source of anxiety and self-doubt, leading us to constantly feel like we’re not good enough. The pressure to be perfect is a common struggle for many, and it can be exhausting. Here are 25 quotes on never feeling good enough to remind you that you’re not alone in this struggle.
“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough.”
Julia Cameron
This quote reminds us that perfectionism is not about being the best, but rather about constantly being critical of ourselves. It’s about focusing on our flaws and shortcomings instead of our strengths and accomplishments.
“Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.”
Harriet Braiker
This quote highlights the difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection. While striving for excellence can be a healthy motivator, striving for perfection can be demoralizing and ultimately lead to burnout.
“Perfectionism is self-abuse of the highest order.”
Anne Wilson Schaef
This quote reminds us that the pressure to be perfect can be harmful to our mental health. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.
“There is no perfection, only beautiful versions of brokenness.”
Shannon L. Alder
This quote suggests that perfection is an illusion. We are all imperfect in our own way, but that doesn’t mean we’re not beautiful.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
Steve Jobs
This quote reminds us that the key to success is not perfection, but rather a passion for what we do. When we love what we do, we are more likely to excel at it.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”
Vince Lombardi
This quote suggests that while perfection may not be attainable, striving for it can still lead to great accomplishments.
“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.”
Michael J. Fox
This quote reminds us that while we can strive for excellence, perfection is unattainable and not something we should expect of ourselves.
“Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity.”
Brene Brown
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can stifle our creativity. When we are afraid of making mistakes, we may be less likely to take risks and try new things.
“Perfectionism is simply putting a limit on your future. When you have an idea of perfect in your mind, you open the door to constantly comparing what you have now with what you want. That type of comparison can be crippling.”
John Assaraf
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can limit our potential. When we are constantly comparing ourselves to an ideal, we may be less likely to take risks and pursue our goals.
“Perfect is boring. Human imperfection is what makes life worth living.”
Jenny Lawson
This quote suggests that imperfection is what makes life interesting. When we embrace our flaws and quirks, we become more authentic and relatable.
“Perfectionism, I realized, is just fear in fancy shoes and a mink coat.”
Elizabeth Gilbert
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect is often rooted in fear. When we are afraid of being judged or rejected, we may try to present a perfect image of ourselves to the world.
“Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. It’s a shield.”
Brene Brown
This quote highlights the difference between striving for excellence and perfectionism. Perfectionism is not about doing our best, but rather about trying to avoid negative emotions like judgment and shame.
“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life.”
Anne Lamott
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can be oppressive and even harmful to our mental health.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Nelson Mandela
This quote reminds us that failure is a natural part of life. It’s not about never falling, but rather about getting back up again and continuing to pursue our goals.
“Perfectionism is a 20-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from taking flight.”
Brene Brown
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can hold us back from reaching our full potential. When we are constantly trying to be perfect, we may be less likely to take risks and pursue our dreams.
“Perfectionism is not a skill. It is an attitude which will delay your progress forever.”
Nikita Dudani
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can actually hinder our progress. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we may be less likely to take action and make progress towards our goals.
“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.”
Voltaire
This quote reminds us that sometimes good enough is better than perfect. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we may miss out on opportunities to make progress and achieve our goals.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Thomas Edison
This quote reminds us that failure is a natural part of the learning process. It’s not about never making mistakes, but rather about learning from them and continuing to move forward.
“Perfectionism is a self-inflicted wound. It’s a wound that slowly drains the joy, the creativity and the productivity out of your life.”
Dr. Margaret Rutherford
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can take a toll on our well-being. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we may miss out on the joy and creativity that comes from simply enjoying the process.
“Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up. But clutter and mess show us that life is being lived.”
Anne Lamott
This quote suggests that imperfection is a natural part of life. When we embrace the messiness of life, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
“Perfectionism is the enemy of action.”
Chris Bailey
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can hold us back from taking action. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we may be less likely to take risks and pursue our goals.
“The pursuit of perfection often impedes improvement.”
George Will
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can actually hinder our progress. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we may miss out on opportunities to improve and grow.
“Perfectionism is self-sabotage in its purest form.”
Christina Scalise
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can be self-destructive. When we are constantly striving for perfection, we may be less likely to take care of ourselves and our well-being.
“Perfectionism is simply putting a magnifying glass on your flaws and shortcomings, while ignoring your strengths and accomplishments.”
Unknown
This quote suggests that the pressure to be perfect can distort our perception of ourselves. When we focus too much on our flaws and shortcomings, we may overlook our strengths and accomplishments.
Perfectionism is a common struggle for many, but it’s important to remember that it’s not something we can or should strive for. We are all imperfect in our own way, and that’s what makes us human. Embrace your flaws and imperfections, and remember that there is beauty in brokenness.
