# Nobody is a 'real' perfectionist Nobody is a perfectionist. We like telling ourselves and others that we are but deep down, it's just fear masquerading in fancy clothes. Perfectionism is a shield we use to protect ourselves from criticism, failure, success, and the uncomfortable reality that nothing is perfect. When we *act* like perfectionists, we're just avoiding the real and meaningful work. The work that we're "scared" about Yes, you might get criticized. Yes, you might fail. Yes, you might actually succeed. But you won't know unless you stop iterating, and start delivering. Your best work is the work that others can see and/or benefit from, not the one you're endlessly iterating over. ## Related - [[Signs that perfectionism is holding you back]] - [[Signs that you are falling into the trap of perfectionism]]