"We can only learn from mistakes, by identifying them, determining their source, and correcting them... people learn more from their own mistakes than from the successes of others.” - Russell L. Ackoff
I've looked up Mr Ackoff since reading the above quote, but I couldn't due the life of me explain what he does succinctly.
Let's just say, he's a smart dude.
And while most of his work was based around the corporate world, I hope you can see how this quote cuts right to the heart of the human animal.
Perfectionism is a curse.
Being afraid to fail is a curse.
A very common line I utter on the gym floor when people ask me if they're doing a new movement right is “it's good enough”
In other words, it may need work, is not perfect, but it's safe and is getting the desired result. It is good enough.
Next session, it'll be better.
Session after that, better again.
Ten years from now, better still.
My history is growing up practicing Karate.
I learned a front kick (Migeri) within the first month as a white belt.
The kick became good enough fairly quickly to pass my yellow belt test, but it wasn't good enough for Black belt standard.
And it only got better by practicing, and by having my mistakes pointed out with corrections suggested.
It got better by accepting that it wasn't perfect.
This is training.
Performing specific activities to develop specific skills and/or attributes.
But it only works if you start
It only works if you continue.
Perfection is something we can aim for, but all we can realistically achieve is 1% better each day.