In this episode Alex and Mimi do a deep dive into perfectionism. When is it good... or bad to be aiming for PERFECT.

Mimi finds that perfectionism, at least for creative people like herself, can hold her back. Forcing her to shelve projects she’s worked on, but are not good enough (...in her own mind)!

Alex argues the opposite. That it’s that very same desire to do better that spurs genuine excellence. The need to push through those moments when you wish to give in, often lead to a much better quality outcome. Mimi agrees. She even feels she’s had to work twice as hard because she didn’t feel exceptional at times.

“People say why are you improving on things that already work - Well, i completely respect those that do, because they are the ones pushing boundaries” - Alex Ikonn

Mimi explores her own past and looks into how labels imprinted on young people have an effect later in life, with a need to live up to those superimposed titles. She shares one of her favourite books on the subject of Fixed Vs. Growth Mindset By Carol Dweck.

They then go deeper with a concept from a favourite book - Linchpin by Seth Godin.

Perfectionism is a very ‘Lizzard-Brain’ part of our evolutionary biology. It’s one of our innate survival techniques, it’s imperative we avoid being ostracised or thrown out of our social group that we depend on. It’s this very concept the holds back from sharing when we feel things aren’t perfect.

“Screw it - Ship it - At some point you need to just get it out there” - Mimi Ikonn

There’s always going to be a gap between your starting skills and where you will end up, if you just keep creating. When you’re young your work isn’t the best. As you mature you grow taste and your work gets better. Alex shares a great video on the subject by Ira Glass. Instead of asking ‘does the publisher agree with this’, ‘what will people say?’ Just live by your own standard and then get it out there. The more you can move on to the next thing, the more you can develop taste and learn as you go.

“I built so many crap websites before i built a good one” - Alex Ikonn

Mimi shares one more book for your reading list Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, where a few choice words of what to spread on your sandwich... and then eating it, will surely get you pushing through your moments of doubt when perfectionism strikes.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s episode with Alex & Mimi

Mimiikonn.com

Alexikonn.com

Instagram.com/mimiikonn/

Find the inspirational books mentioned in this episode here:

Mindset - The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Linchpin - Are You Indispensable? By Seth Godin

Big Magic - Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Video about ‘The Gap’ by Ira Glass

Produced by Jason Sanderson - Podcast Tech

Show notes @ https://www.ikonns.com/podcast/episode5