Perfection is but a subjective abstract concept. By saying that we’re perfectionists means nothing more than us believing in the attainment of oft revising standards, typically hypothetical and beyond reach. That’s not to say that we should not strive for perfection because this belief often urges us to push harder.

They say shoot for the moon because even if we don’t reach it, we’ll be among the stars. Perfection, though in most cases, is like trying to hit the edge of the space – a constantly expanding front. No doubt we’ll end up better than before either way but the difference lies in the amount of effort we take to get there.

Applying the marginal concept of utility here is useful in calibrating the right amount of effort. This means that, under most circumstances, we should continue persevering till the last unit of our effort measures up to the last unit of the achieved outcome. Any more is just a futile exercise in chasing perfection.