In our pursuit of shorthand excellence, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism. We become so focused on achieving a "perfect" result (taking a dictation, passing an exam) that we sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture. This is where the phrase “Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good” comes into play. The idea behind this saying is sometimes we get so caught up in trying to do things without error that we fail to make progress towards something that is truly great.

When it comes to our practice, this concept is particularly relevant. As shorthanders, we are constantly striving to improve our craft. As we should. We want to be the best we can be and that always takes hard work and focus. However, in that pursuit, we can forget progress is just as important. It’s necessary to recognise there is always room for improvement and that sometimes it’s better to make progress than to strive (and miss) for perfection.

So, how do we avoid this? Here are a few tips:

1. Set realistic goals: Rather than aiming for perfection, set realistic goals that you can achieve in the short term. This will help you make progress towards your ultimate goal without becoming overwhelmed. If you can now write at 60 WPM, aim for increasing that to 80 WPM.  Don’t rush to 100 WPM in one step.
2. Embrace failure: Don’t be afraid to fail. Instead, use your failures as an opportunity to learn and grow. Recognize that failure is a natural part of the learning process and that it’s okay to make mistakes. If you try a tough piece of dictation and “fail,” try again. It’s as simple as that.  Never give up. 
3. Focus on progress, not perfection: Remember that progress is just as important as perfection. Celebrate your successes and recognize the progress you’ve made, even if it’s not perfect. Recognise and celebrate the small wins of the day. 
4. Enjoy the process: Finally, remember to enjoy the process. Practice should be enjoyable, although it will not always be fun. Embrace the journey.

By setting realistic goals, embracing failure, focusing on progress, and enjoying the process, you can avoid falling into the trap of perfectionism and make progress towards achieving something truly great.

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