Excellence Quote by David Foster Wallace
“If your fidelity to perfectionism is too high, you never do anything.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Perils of Perfectionism, 2005
Excessive perfectionism paralyzes action; accepting imperfection enables progress and creativity.
In simple terms: Too much perfectionism stops you from doing anything.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imperfection to act.
Themes
perfectionism
productivity
creativity
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- artistic projects
- work deadlines
- personal goals
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- When does striving for excellence become harmful?
- How can you set realistic standards?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can drive high quality; balance is key.
![“Suppose I were to give you a key ring [...] with a hundred keys, and I were to tell you that one of these keys will unlock it, this door we're imagining opening in onto all you want to be, as a player. How many of the keys would you be willing to try?' [...] 'Well I'd try every darn one,' Rader…” quote by David Foster Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9be/david-foster-wallace-161_failure_suppose-i-were-to-give-you-a-key-ring-wi_1500074.jpg)
