Cindy Benning is passionate about elevating the quality of leadership in our world. She founded Dragonfly Insights, a company dedicated to empowering leaders through coaching and teaching five BRAVE® virtues designed to propel organizations into excellence.
How often do you find yourself chasing perfection only to end up feeling exhausted and unfulfilled? In today’s world, the pressure to be perfect is ever-present. Whether it's excelling in our careers, being the ideal parent or partner, or striving for personal growth, many of us feel the weight of constant expectations. But what if we let go of the pursuit of perfection and embraced a different mindset—one that acknowledges "good enough" as a powerful and valid goal?
"Good enough" doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity; it means understanding our limits, setting realistic expectations, and valuing balance over burnout. We can live more fulfilled and meaningful lives by redefining what success looks like for ourselves, in our work, and within our families. In this article, we’ll explore how embracing "good enough" in these areas can free us from the burdens of perfectionism and lead us to a happier, more sustainable way of living.
Good enough at work
The Myth of Overachievement: Many professionals believe that to succeed, they must always exceed expectations. Imagine adopting a "good enough" mindset. It is much more sustainable and allows you to maintain high-quality results without sacrificing well-being.
Productivity vs. Perfectionism: Trying to perfect every task can hinder productivity. Syndromes such as analysis paralysis, overcommitment and procrastination are ways perfectionists can reduce their productivity. By understanding when something is good enough, teams can focus on output and progress rather than perfection, ensuring deadlines are met and continuous improvement is prioritized.
Work-Life Integration: Pursuing "good enough" at work improves work-life integration. Employees who feel pressure to give 100% at work all the time may sacrifice family, health, or personal interests. Redefining "good enough" can improve job satisfaction and long-term career success.
Good enough with family
The Ideal Parent Trap: Many parents struggle with the pressure to be the "perfect" parent, spouse, or family member. Accepting that being a "good enough" parent, partner, or sibling is more sustainable and can create a healthier, more supportive family dynamic.
Quality Time over Quantity: Being "good enough" in family roles is more about the quality of interactions than the quantity. Instead of aiming for perfection in family activities or interactions, focus on the value of presence and authenticity. Your family would much rather spend time interacting with you in a conversation or a game, rather than watching a movie or TV show where there is little interaction.
Reducing Guilt: For those who balance work and family, guilt often stems from feeling like they’re not giving enough to either area. Embrace the idea that being "good enough" in each role can relieve this guilt, promoting more meaningful and balanced relationships.
You are good enough
Perfection versus Progress: We all carry expectations of who we “should” be and often push ourselves to meet those ideals. When we fall short, it’s easy to become stressed, self-critical, and even risk burnout. However, personal development is a long-term journey—more like a marathon than a sprint. Embracing the idea of “good enough” allows space for both ongoing growth and self-compassion. This shift can lift the heavy burden of striving for perfection and create room for a healthier, more balanced approach to self-improvement.
Self-Care and Balance: The pressure to excel in multiple areas of life can result in neglecting self-care. Recognizing what’s "good enough" can help achieve balance, fostering mental and emotional well-being without constantly overextending. Think about setting some achievable but “good enough” goals for yourself. Something as simple as 5 minutes of mindful meditation daily would be a great way to reinforce the message of balance and self-compassion.
It's time to stop striving to be everything to everyone and to let go of the relentless pursuit of perfection. Instead, it's time to embrace the idea of being "good enough"—and discover the freedom, balance, and fulfillment that comes with it.
Cindy Benning, Leadership Development Consultant
Cindy Benning has a unique ability to turn chaos into calm. Her extensive career, characterized by continuous education, leadership, and coaching, has equipped her with robust strategies to navigate myriad challenges professionally and personally. Her 2022 publication, "Being BRAVE®, A Journey of Self-Discovery into Leadership," tells the story of how she came to develop insights into managing the stories we tell ourselves to reveal our true selves. Only then can we learn to lead and live with joy and authenticity.
