The Uncompromising Path to Perfection: My Personal Journey and a Shift in Mindset

Growing up in a family of staunch perfectionists, the mantra was etched in stone: excellence wasn't an option; it was the standard. Being an A-student wasn't just an achievement; it was an expectation. That mindset permeated every facet of my life—a relentless pursuit where anything less than exceptional was deemed a failure. In the realm of work, this ethos undeniably had its advantages. It ingrained a work ethic that's meticulous, thorough, and relentless in striving for perfection. Tasks weren't just completed; they were executed with an unwavering commitment.

generated with Image Creator from Microsoft Bing

However, this upbringing also planted seeds of self-criticism and an unrelenting drive for flawlessness. In the professional arena, it's been a double-edged sword.

On one hand, it's propelled me to deliver good results, garnering praise and recognition.

Yet, on the other hand, it's fostered a sense of underappreciation.

Not all companies embrace this pace or appreciate the finesse of rapid execution. Some workplaces prioritise a mid-level outcome over swift precision, treating employees more like chess pieces in a strategic game than individuals with unique strengths.

My commitment to perfectionism, honed through a lifetime of dedication to studying and working, often clashes with the harsh realities of discriminatory practices in the work industry. In some interviews, I found myself face-to-face with tech leads whose lenses were clouded by age-old biases. One such encounter etched in memory—a male tech lead, eyes glazed with prejudice, dismissing my expertise, reducing me to just another female candidate. He was late for an interview and switched his camera off mid-conversation. Despite my qualifications and unyielding dedication, I became yet another statistic in a world marred by misogyny, being asked absolutely irrelevant questions.

Yet, it wasn't just interviews; the cracks in the facade of meritocracy deepened within the bureaucratic corridors of HR at a big company. There, I felt the sting of being seen not as a passionate individual but as a replaceable cog in a corporate machine. My dedication seemed dwarfed by a system that failed to recognise the human behind the skills—an unsettling reality that clashed starkly with my unwavering commitment to precision and dedication.

Back when I was teaching, ageism added another layer of complexity. Despite my capabilities, my youth became a factor used to downplay my worth. It was a perplexing narrative—my devotion to perfectionism seemingly invalidated by prejudiced perceptions tied to gender and age.

But for every setback was a chapter in a story yet to be written.

Without the relentless pursuit of perfectionism and a quest for a nurturing work culture, my outlook might indeed differ. It's plausible that without these driving forces, I might perceive the challenges I've faced through a different lens—a lens perhaps more accepting of the status quo. However, this hypothetical shift wouldn't align with the essence of my personality. Striving for excellence isn't just a professional ethos; it's deeply woven into the fabric of who I am.

Perfectionism isn't solely about flawlessness or executing a job impeccably—it's a mindset that revolves around giving your best while feeling valued and appreciated. It's not a quest for an unattainable flawless outcome but rather a commitment to pouring your utmost dedication and expertise into your work. Feeling valued and acknowledged for this effort is a crucial element of perfectionism.

This mindset, while fueling professional success, also often blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. It's a constant tug-of-war. Achieving a balance between the pursuit of excellence and embracing the imperfections remains an ongoing journey—a quest to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

But in the tech world, the pursuit of perfection isn't merely a goal—it's an unspoken agreement. It's not just about the end product; it's about the mindset that shapes every line of code, every system architecture. Here, the shift in mindset isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.

Consider the shift from other professions where effort percentages often correlate with outcomes. In teaching or artistry, an additional 10% effort might result in a noticeable improvement. Yet, in the realm of coding and quality assurance, that 10% isn't just an enhancement; it's a foundational requirement. In this world, perfectionism isn't a choice; it's the oxygen that fuels the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. Even at 90% capacity, an unnoticed glitch equates to a stumbling block, a testament to the unforgiving nature of this digital orchestra.

But the crux lies in acknowledging that the tech landscape doesn't conform to the conventional rules of effort and reward. Here, the 100% rule isn't an aspiration but a fundamental principle. It's a shift in mindset—from aiming for adequacy to demanding excellence in every keystroke.

The shift isn't just about giving more effort; it's about redefining the concept of completeness. In a world where every line of code matters, the shift begins with understanding that 'almost there' isn't an option. It's a departure from complacency, urging a relentless pursuit of precision.

Moreover, it's crucial to accept the paradox—while the quest for perfection is non-negotiable, the tech terrain is boundless. It demands a mindset that embraces continuous learning, recognising that while perfection might be the goal, it's the journey of improvement that defines success.

This shift in mindset isn't just for individuals; it's a cultural transformation within the tech ecosystem. Companies fostering this change prioritise attention to detail, encouraging a collective mindset shift where every team member acknowledges the imperative nature of meticulousness.

However, it is also important to note that in the labyrinth of software development, the quest for flawless end-to-end testing often resembles a cosmic riddle, where even the alignment of celestial bodies like mercury in retrograde seems to conspire against achieving perfection. Picture this: you've meticulously crafted code, tested across various user scenarios, only to find a bug sneaking past your vigilant gaze. It's not just an oversight; it's a glimpse into the kaleidoscope of factors—user behavior nuances, system configurations, and yes, the unpredictable quirks of the universe—that elude our testing grasp.

Software, much like life, thrives on unpredictability. It's not just about writing code; it's an intricate dance with the unknown. End-to-end testing, though an essential pillar, dances on the precipice of impossibility. Accepting this doesn't diminish the pursuit of excellence; rather, it acknowledges the vibrant tapestry of challenges in the software realm. So, when a bug slips through, don't just blame yourself—blame it on the cosmic jigsaw puzzle where mercury's antics might just be another player in the grand scheme of software oddities.