Perfectionism to me is striving to have control over what is mostly uncontrollable; in that way, it's a set-up for disappointment.

agree and disagree. i don't care for the idea that the only thing with any worth is a perfect thing. some of my favorite art styles include imperfections as a main feature, but i do feel that it is a good thing 2 always strive 2 be better tomorrow than you were today. i don't really think perfection, at least on a grand scale, can be achieved. you may be able 2 draw a perfect tree, or cook a meal exactly according 2 the recipe, but as far as being a perfect person, i think we all will always have improvements 2 make, and what may have been our perfect self 5 years ago, may not be perfect now. we are always changing. but i don't really see striving for perfection as a bad thing

I agree with this to the extent that the oppressors are ourselves.

Hmmm. Maybe I am my own oppressor. I might adopt that as my tag-line.

I strive for perfection. but understand that it's not always achievable, and that beauty can be found in imperfections.

Metaphorically speaking.
If you reach for the stars and fail, you might end up on the Moon - still pretty awsome.
But if all you reach for the bottom step, and you fail, you'll pretty much just be where you are now; at the bottom of the stairs.

Practical application.
If you stive for 100% (perfection) and don't get there, you may end up with 80% (still pretty good).
But if you're only looking to pass with a 51% and don't make it, you may not 'make the grade'.

Spin it however you like - if you don't aim high, you'll never achieve it.

LOL! True.

Agree; although it's nice when you get some things perfect: like accounts and measuring
I think people that think they are perfect, or even better are highly amusing. The best are those that are never happy with themselves, I find.

Agree. I work with a lot of creative people and we all suffer from this. We carry all the oppressive authority figures we've encountered throughout our lives. Creating despite their chorus of mockery and insult is often the biggest challenge.

Agree. I think that perfectionism leads to O.C.D and other mental unwellnesses. I have a mantra for when I get too wound up - I am enough -I have enough I do enough - Probably could end that with enough is enough - or enough is as good as a feast !(My fathers saying).

As a builder, I have learned, and continue to learn, lessons in balancing this. My tendency is toward perfectionism, but it can cause progress to slow to a virtual halt and make it very difficult to work with others. It’s important to remember what the function of the work is and how much of it is actually “seen”. As much fun as it is to paint the undersides of boulders, such endeavors are self serving ego pursuit in disguise. Put your perfection where it matters.

Disagree

I am involved with a lot of start-up companies, and we have a motto...."Don't let perfection stand in the way of good" which is pretty much in line with the thought above, so yes, I agree with it.

So as stated below, striving to improve is a good thing, but take measure of the strides achieved rather than dwelling on what is still to be achieved.

Agree.
Perfection is unattainable.
It's also completely overrated.

I agree, and I disagree. Trying to be perfect (which is impossible) does keep you from even trying sometimes, but striving to do as well as you can at some task, is good goal I think. Though maybe that's not actually perfectionism.

No one in the US political spectrum espouses this sentiment. We are so polarized right now don't see it at all.