" Why 'Progress Over Perfection' Is the Mindset Surgeons Need Most"

As surgeons, we are trained to pursue precision. That’s a good thing — in the operating room, accuracy can mean the difference between complication and cure.

But outside the OR? Perfection can become a trap.

Early in my journey, I equated competence with flawlessness. I obsessed over every missed detail, replayed minor setbacks, and felt that if I wasn’t operating at 100%, I was falling short.

Here’s what experience taught me: progress is what builds mastery — not the illusion of perfection.

Here’s why progress matters more:

• You can’t grow if you’re only focused on what’s wrong

• You miss the momentum in your micro-wins

• Perfect is paralyzing. Progress is empowering.

  
  

Tracking your improvements, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and grounded. Whether it's learning a new technique, handling post-op conversations better, or managing time more efficiently — it all adds up.

Most breakthroughs in surgery, leadership, and life?They don’t happen overnight. They’re the result of small wins compounded consistently.

📌 Reminder: Don’t discount the value of a better stitch, a calmer consult, or a well-timed pause. They’re the bricks that build excellence.

#SurgeonMindset #SurgicalGrowth #ProgressOverPerfection #MedicalLeadership #DrVivekViswanathan