degree of detail

Done is Better Than Perfect

Done is Better Than Perfect: Perfectionism is no friend in addressing geopolitical challenges that impact the German economy.

German companies’ ability to perfect processes or products is unique in the global market and lends any export with a Made in Germany stamp a certain level of cachet. But this perfection comes at a cost in global economies that are increasingly oriented toward fast-paced industries and cutting-edge technology: it takes an enormous amount of time to achieve.

In a tech-focused world where the most successful new companies do the opposite of what has made German firms successful for so long—moving fast and breaking things, as Facebook would like us to believe—several geopolitical factors add to the headwind.

Ph.D dissertation lengths graph

The harder the science, the shorter the length. The humanities, for example History, are the longest. Because they explain with words, and in detail. No surprise there.

Average length of PhD dissertations by major from
dataisbeautiful

Columbia University 250-300 pages

A typical dissertation runs between 250 and 300 pages, divided into four or five chapters, often with a short conclusion following the final full-scale chapter.

There is no set minimum or maximum length, but anything below about 225 pages will likely look insubstantial in comparison to others, while anything over 350 pages may suggest a lack of proportion and control of the topic, and would probably take too long to write.

The Problem with Perfectionism

We aim for perfection without a correct idea of what perfection might demand from us. To strengthen our resolve, we need to improve our picture of what sacrifices any achievement will demand.

Perfectionism holds us back

If you can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all? Recovering perfectionist Charly Haversat challenges our obsession with perfection in our personal lives, workplaces and beyond.

Can we fight the crippling fear of failure and the unwillingness to compromise that it creates?

How perfectionism makes us ill

Perfectionists are generally held in high-esteem: praised for their self-discipline and refusal to compromise. Yet in truth, the trait is a manifestation of self-hatred – and must be overcome if we are ever to feel truly fulfilled.

YouTube comments:

“Perfectionism also steals your joy, I speak from experience. You literally don’t allow yourself to celebrate your skills, accomplishments, talents because you are striving for perfectionism which is impossible so you are always looking for something to criticize.

You never feel anything enough. I used to have resentment for the fact other people were content with their mediocrity, meanwhile those of us who are at higher levels of skill/talent were beating ourselves up for that 1 tiny mistake or thing that could’ve been better.

I would literally carry these little flaws in my heart which made me sad and disappointed and not think of all the good and my progress. It’s messed up. I only realized in 2019 that in order to grow with joy, you have to accept and even celebrate your mistakes as in learn and laugh them off and keep it moving. Life is so much easier and joyful now that I’ve let go of perfectionism!! It really is toxic and it was probably taught to us by our parents.”

Is perfectionism an illness?

In a competitive culture that values work ethic and merit, is perfectionism a benign trait that helps us succeed, or is it a pernicious illness we need to take more seriously?

Dr. Tom Curran from LSE’s Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science researches perfectionism, its damaging effects, and why society is making it more prevalent.

Americans believe in less detail. The degree of detail of their plans is based on the given situation. Americans plan A to C in great detail, begin executing, then continue planning as they proceed.

Degree of Detail

The Germans are very detail-oriented. Their plans are highly detailed. The Germans tend to plan from A to Z. And they prefer to plan well in advance before they begin the execution.

What Goes on in a Perfectionist’s Brain

Many people see perfectionism as essential for success. After all, setting high standards and achieving big goals can feel very rewarding.

Researchers at the University of Cologne wanted to get a better sense of perfectionism at the neurobiological level.

Not only that, high Personal Standard Perfectionism scorers’ brain activity also showed a slowing-down process after they made errors, which could allow them to learn from their mistakes and eventually correct course.