Skip to content

Allowing Quote by Howard Hughes

“I am by nature a perfectionist, and I seem to have trouble allowing anything to go through in a half-perfect condition. So if I made any mistake it was in working too hard and in doing too much of it with my own hands.” quote by Howard Hughes
Download Open image
“I am by nature a perfectionist, and I seem to have trouble allowing anything to go through in a half-perfect condition. So if I made any mistake it was in working too hard and in doing too much of it with my own hands.”

Howard Hughes

About This Quote

Source Interview: 1940s aviation memoir

Perfectionism drives relentless effort, but can become counterproductive when it prevents completion or delegation.

In simple terms: Being a perfectionist leads to over‑working.

Key Takeaway

Set realistic standards and delegate.

Themes

perfectionism work ethic self‑criticism productivity

Mood

determined critical

Type

motivational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • project management
  • creative work
  • leadership
  • personal development

Key Concepts

high standards self‑imposed pressure delegation challenges

Questions to Reflect On

  • What tasks truly need perfection?
  • How can you accept good enough?
A Different Perspective

Excessive perfectionism may cause burnout and missed deadlines.

2.8 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Howard Hughes

Explore all 26 Howard Hughes quotes

More Allowing quotes

Browse all 916 Allowing quotes