Perfectionism is often seen as a pursuit of high standards, but it can lead to greater dissatisfaction than achieving excellence. Instead of motivating individuals to reach their goals, the relentless quest for perfection can cause frustration and a sense of failure when those standards are inevitably not met. This highlights the futility of striving for unattainable ideals in one's personal and professional life.

In "The Daily Stoic," Ryan Holiday presents this insight to encourage readers to embrace a more realistic and forgiving approach to their endeavors. By acknowledging that perfection is rarely attainable, individuals can focus on progress and improvement rather than getting caught up in the stress of striving for an elusive standard. This perspective fosters a healthier mindset and promotes resilience and acceptance of one's limitations.