I decided to write an article about getting things done and not worrying about perfection and found myself in need of my own advice…
I like to think that I subscribe to the idea that “good enough” is good enough. Sure it’s important to do a good job and make sure there are no major mistakes or omissions but for the most part get it done and get it out.
The topic of “done is better than perfect” came up during one of my 3C’s boot camp group calls. It really hit a nerve for a lot of the participants so I decided to write an article about it. I wrote two paragraphs and said to myself, “Never mind, I’m not feeling inspired and am not happy with this.” I proceeded to close the document I was working in without saving my work.
Almost immediately I realized how hypocritical I was being…
The message I suddenly heard was…Stop waiting for the perfect mix of inspiration, time and energy. Because when you wait for perfection whatever you are working on will never get done. DUH!
So, if done is better than perfect why not send out an imperfect article? Here it goes…
The quest for perfection will freeze you.
I have a client who was getting ready to launch a new website. We came up with a plan of action but week after week she’d come to our calls and say “One more week, I just have to tweak something.” Sure her site was getting a little better but because she kept tweaking and polishing she was missing leads and business.
I have another client who was spending a lot of time networking and meeting new people. He was looking for the perfect contact management system. He considered several systems but kept finding a flaw or two. Bottom line…he wasn’t staying in touch with anyone because he couldn’t find the perfect system. His networking efforts were great, but in his quest for perfection his follow up system was non-existent so the leads were sitting in a pile on his desk going nowhere.
How about your own education and training? Many people tell me that they just need one more class or a few more letters after their name before they can move forward with their business. I’m telling you right now that you already know enough. You’ll never know everything about your field but you already know more than your potential clients do and you can already be of service to them.
So what can you do?
Here are five questions to ask yourself to help you determine when something is good enough.
- What is really expected of you or the project you are working on?
- What would you consider appropriate if someone else were doing the project instead of you?
- What is the goal of the project and is there some other way to achieve the goal?
- If I only did half of the “to-do’s” on the project list what would be the result?
- How much return am I going to get on the additional effort I’m considering putting in?
Here’s what you need to know…when you wait for something to be perfect not only are you and your business suffering but you’re also holding back your talents from those who need you and your services the most.
Okay…this article is good enough. If I’ve misspelled something, missed a comma or left out an entire idea that’s just the way it is. Enough said!
I’d love to know your thoughts. Please share your comments below.
Carrie,
You nailed my problem head on: lots of knowledge, ideas and options, but not enough follow-through. Even though I gave up on perfection a few decades ago, it rears its ugly head on occasion trying to derail me.
When I see so much on the Internet that was thrown out there full of errors and half-baked ideas, I tend to stall so I won’t be one of those.
Thanks for listing those questions to ask to determine when something is good enough. They are propelling me forward right now.
Flora, there is a difference between sloppy & good enough. Like you all the errors and half-baked ideas drive me crazy but there comes a point where you have to say it’s good enough. I remember when I was apply for my 1st job out of college I was writing my resume and was spending time trying to figure out if “part-time” should have a dash or not ie: part time. I finally realized that if the prospective employer cared that much I didn’t want the job!
Carrie,
Bravo! You nailed it! What you wrote is so true for all of us.
There is a saying I often share . . . “The great is the enemy of the good.” When I say it to others, a light bulb goes off in their head. However, it takes a lot of SELF AWARENESS to be able to hear my own words!
Thank you for being the recording I needed to hear to release that perfection!
Enjoy Life Today!
Barbara
Barbara…happy to be your recording any time! Glad the article helped!
At the time of writing I have two imperfect products waiting to be launched – no guesses for why I am delaying that. In the meantime I am going through the longest gestation period for a website ever! (And no, I’m not going to tell you exactly how long)
Perfection is not an option – something my hypocritical self tells my clients all the time! Thank you Carrie for your honest and open good sense. I really relate to your posts (by the way, I particularly liked the squirrel story – oh how true). So this post is by way of showing my appreciation for what you do – and who you are – thank you.
And I have to say – I haven’t made a single correction – my word, I’m so proud!
Margret — Glad to hear that this post (and the squirrel one!) hit home for you.
Here’s something for you to ponder…no product or website is perfect, in fact I’m planning on a few changes to the CarrieThru website because it’s not perfect, but if it’s not there nobody gets to see it, use it or benefit from it.
So my suggestion for you…launch it! If you need support to get it out there get support. You might find a coaching program would help give you an outsider perspective and help you launch the products (and website). There are many coaching programs available (including mine) but bottom line…it’s time to let the world see your brilliance!.
Carrie,
Great article. I am so guilty.
It struck me while reading this that Microsoft never worries about perfection and often puts out good enough products on time. Programs are delivered on the promised delivery date, adding updates later. I don’t believe I want to live in a world of constant edits but it seems to work for this large company. Maybe letting go a bit might not be too bad after all.
Jan
Hi Jan, I don’t want to live in a world of constant edits either but there is a point, usually a lot sooner than we think, when it’s time to let it go.
Carrie