Thursday, April 14, 2022

Perfection can be the enemy of progress...


I’ve known lots of people who’ve missed deadlines and opportunities while trying to do something perfectly. All they got for their effort was frustration and disappointment. Not fair considering they were most likely pretty close. 

 

·      Know your project.

·      Realize your capabilities.

·      Set realistic goals and timelines.

·      Do your research and homework.

·      And commit to doing the best you can.

 

Nobody expects you to be perfect: for most things, getting 80% right on the first attempt is good. And that last 20% is often easier to complete after learning from what was initially accomplished. It’s been my experience that the finished product is better than expected when you do it in two phases this way. That’s why lots of companies have soft openings, learning from their mistakes, seeing how things really work or are perceived, and improving their work in real time. And why people write drafts and then go back and edit them before final publication. Or why chefs have menu tastings and then use the feedback to improve their menus.  You don’t have to be perfect – life isn’t.  Just show up, be fully engaged, listen to feedback, and enjoy the process of getting things done in an imperfect and beautiful world. That’s a great way to make things better today.

 

Kerry Marisa Washington (born 1977): American actress, producer, and director.

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