31 Perfection Quotes About Conscious Pursuit Of Excellence

Even if we know it is impossible to achieve, perfection frequently visits our thoughts, casting shadows of self-doubt. However, adjusting our lens to view it as a guiding compass rather than an end goal can shift our mindset. Through our collection of Perfection Quotes, gain more insights on this message.

This article explores the complex relationship between discipline and perfection. We also shed light on its subjectivity and raise questions about its nature. It features a selection of quotes that inspire, motivate, and guide. All of these are from authors, motivational speakers, and other influential figures who encourage us to shift our concept of perfection.

Quick links to our selection of perfection quotes:

Reality Of Seeking Perfection Quotes

Whatever we do, perfection will always remain out of reach. Yet, in our pursuit of it, we can be in a constant cycle of reassessment and refinement. As long as we accept the reality of perfection, we can benefit from the journey without the frustration. 

Overall, we must learn when to stop whenever we are stuck. Again, perfect, flawless, faultless, these are impossible. However, the effort, not the endpoint, truly defines us in our journey.

Setting the tone of this collection, go through our first set of perfection quotes below. Accompanying this section, watch Iskra Lawrence’s Ted Talk promoting self-care to end the pursuit of perfection.

"Perfection is not a destination, it's a journey towards excellence."
- Robin Sharma

"Perfection is a never-ending process of self-discovery and improvement."
- Tony Robbins

"Life is a moving, breathing thing. We have to be willing to constantly evolve. Perfection is constant transformation."
- Nia Peeples

"Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence."
- Vince Lombardi

Quotes On Letting Go Of Perfection

We can lose many things when we are trapped in the chase of perfection. Focusing too intently on the unattainable can distract us from taking the opportunities right in front of us or creating memories in the present.

Letting go of perfection starts with understanding that making mistakes is a natural part of life. So, embrace imperfections as unique attributes that make you, you. You can genuinely excel once you tame the inner critic and practice self-compassion. 

The same goes for how we treat the people around us. Nobody is perfect. Nobody starts perfect. After reflecting on the perfection quotes below, visit our collection of expectation quotes.

"I gave up my struggle with perfection a long time ago. That is a concept I don't find very interesting anymore. Everyone just wants to look good in the photographs. I think that is where some of the pressure comes from. Be happy. Be yourself, the day is about a lot more."
- Anne Hathaway

"When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are."
- Donald Miller

Nobody's perfect . We're all just one step up from the beasts and one step down from the angels.

~ Jeannette Walls

Positive Quotes To Have A Perfect Life

Like beauty, perfection is in the eye of the beholder. For some, it's about the simple joys – a happy, healthy family and a serene life. For those who find a sense of purpose in selflessness, it may revolve around the welfare of others through contributing to society and making meaningful changes.

These contrasting views emphasize the subjectivity of perfection. It reflects the inherent diversity of human aspirations and definitions of a successful life.  How about you? How do you define a perfect life?

Craft your own definition after reading the following perfection quotes below.

"I'm a believer in the perfectibility of human beings. I think we can be better. I think we can be perfect or near to it. And when we become our best selves, the possibilities are endless."
- Dave Eggers

"Don't worry about getting perfect, just keep getting better."
- Frank Peretti

"Few good friends, one great partner, and something I love to do every day, that's the idea of my little perfect life."
- Sarvesh Jain

"Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection."
- Kim Collins

Motivational Quotes About Perfection And Discipline

Working hard to be excellent in what we do can frequently lead to being a perfectionist and, eventually, analysis paralysis. To counter this, we must shift our focus to progress rather than perfection. This allows us to value each step we take and regard every slight improvement as a success.

Building discipline is also crucial. We can build an efficient system by setting realistic goals and maintaining a consistent routine. When we act purposefully and steadily toward our objectives, we can prevent the paralyzing effects of obsessing over perfection.

If you are prone to analysis paralysis, repeatedly read the perfect quotes below.

"Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect."
- Vince Lombardi

"A small step of progression is a thousand times better than a delayed step of perfection. Perfectionism procrastinates and paralyzes progress."
- Tony Warrick

"We must know when to move on. To search too long for perfection can also paralyse."
- Peter Goldsworthy

"You can't wait to become perfect, you got to go out and fall down and get up with everybody else."
- Ray Bradbury

"Done is better than perfect."
- Sheryl Sandberg

Notable Quotes About Perfection And Imperfection

Striving for perfection often magnifies our imperfections. Aiming for the ideal state may highlight the flaws we fail to see in our pursuit. Paradoxically, the concept of perfection evolves in accepting and embracing these imperfections.

For instance, our happy moments are accentuated further by the sad ones. The interplay of these contrasting emotions sharpens our ability to appreciate happiness more. The same goes with the connection between colorful rainbows and pouring rain.

Check out the perfection quotes below that beautifully encapsulate this message.

"True perfection has to be imperfect. I know that sounds foolish, but it's true."
- Noel Gallagher

"A certain type of perfection can only be realized through a limitless accumulation of the imperfect."
- Haruki Murakami

"We never taste happiness in perfection, our most fortunate successes are mixed with sadness."
- Pierre Corneille

"To accomplish the perfect perfection, a little imperfection helps."
- Dejan Stojanovic

Noteworthy Perfection Quotes From Literature

The concept of perfection sparks the minds of literary artists. To grasp such an abstract notion, authors and poets tried to understand its relation to everything around us. For example, a renowned American essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, briefly touches upon this idea through the lens of nature's flawless beauty.

In his poem "Nature," Emerson contemplates how even the tiniest components of the planet harmoniously contribute to the grandeur of the whole. Overall, the essayist compels us to appreciate the perfection born from interconnectedness. 

Read the following perfection quotes from Emerson and other authors and reflect on their profound meaning.

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection."
- George Orwell

"Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Perfection is impossible without humility. Why should I strive for perfection, if I am already good enough?"
- Leo Tolstoy

"Perfection irritates as well as it attracts, in fiction as in life."
- Louis Auchincloss

Short Perfection Quotes To Post Online

In the digital age, it's easy to fall into the trap of perceived perfection. But by consciously curating who and what you follow, you ensure only those highlighting the beauty of imperfection fill your social media feeds. 

Today, platforms are now peppered with stories of struggle and insecurity, signaling a shift to embracing authenticity. As consumers and creators of content, our choice to portray real, raw moments can comfort others. 

Share your authentic stories online together with the rest of our perfection quotes below.

"Success has nothing to do with perfection."
- Michelle Obama

"Perfection is a pursuit, not a guarantee."
- Tim Fargo

"Perfection does not exist — you can always do better and you can always grow."
- Les Brown

"Perfection is the enemy of creation."
- Ernest Hemingway

"The wise strive for their best. The foolish strive for perfection."
- Mokokoma Mokhonoana

"Beauty and ingenuity beat perfection hands down, every time."
- Nalo Hopkinson