Lately, my perfectionistic tendencies have been put to the test! If you’re a perfectionist, you know the struggle all too well.

I’m developing a new training class titled “Presentation Design Essentials,” as requested by a new client. My inner perfectionist insists on delivering top-notch quality and polish for every aspect of the course materials. However, my practical side reminds me that participants prioritize content relevance over whether each slide has the “perfect visual.”

When I catch myself slipping into perfectionism, I rely on a few strategies to regain perspective and stay realistic:

Deadlines are Your Friend

Setting tight deadlines and limiting available time forces me to focus on the “must-haves” and let go of the rest. I simply don’t have time to obsess over every visual on every slide. This approach helps me prioritize where to invest my time and evaluate its impact effectively.

Functionality Beats High Polish

Redirecting my focus towards ensuring that visuals effectively convey the message helps me move past an obsession with flawless aesthetics. Clear, functional design often makes a more significant impact than overly polished visuals.

Practice Imperfection

This one’s tough for me but incredibly effective. I challenge myself to accept minor imperfections in my slides—things only I would notice that don’t distract from the core message. I ask myself, “Who will notice or be distracted by this?” If it’s something inconsequential, I resist the urge to perfect it and move forward. It’s a challenging yet liberating process.

Celebrate Completion

When the slides reach a “good enough” stage, I celebrate completing the presentation, even if it’s not flawless. This practice helps me wrap up projects and shift focus to the next priority.

If you can relate to my challenges with perfectionism, I encourage you to revisit these tips the next time you feel yourself spending way too much time trying to make things perfect!