Don’t Confuse Perfection for Excellence

I was having a conversation with one of my mentors recently when he graciously confronted me on my understanding of excellence. 

I was taken aback and tried to push back. 

“What do you mean I’m not seeing excellence rightly?

“Excellence is about stewardship, isn’t it?”  

“So, you’re saying my understanding of excellence is actually perfectionism?”

He nodded in silence and it began to slowly dawn upon me: I had unknowingly blurred the line between excellence and perfection.

I was committing the error of “terminological inexactitude.” I was using the right language (“excellence”) but ascribing the wrong definition (perfection).

Here’s how different they truly are:  

Perfection is about flawlessness. Excellence is about having an outstanding feature or quality. One can be excellent and still flawed but it’s a grave mistake to think that one must be perfect in order to be excellent. 

Are you pursuing excellence or perfection?

Here’s a grid I received from my mentor on how to differentiate the two: 

Motivation: Perfection is fueled by self-centeredness. Excellence flows from a God-centered stewardship. Perfection says, “Look at me” while excellence says, “Let me honor God.” 

Manner: Perfection is solo. It excludes God and relies on human strength. Excellence is shared. It begins with God. It says, “God, I want to do it with you.” 

Mindset: Perfection demands flawlessness at all costs, even if other parts of your life falls apart. Excellence embraces faithful limits. It says, “This isn’t perfect, but I’ve been as faithful as I could have.” 

Manifestation: Perfection depletes. It leads to exhaustion, burn out, and bitterness. Excellence produces the fruit of the Spirit. There is joy, peace, patience, etc. in the work. 

Conclusion

Are you driven by perfection or excellence? 

There is only one who is perfect and His perfect work of righteousness covers those who have trusted Him. Will you let the God of perfection bring progress and growth into your life through grace instead of pressure?

Pursue excellence—not to prove yourself, but to honor the One who gave everything for you.