Perfection: The Biggest Enemy of Productivity

photo by: Harry Willis

Starting a new project or attacking a list of goals can be overwhelming for many especially if your a perfectionist. The biggest challenge is learning how to move forward when everything isn't perfect. Sometimes good enough is good enough. However, learning how to accept this attitude is easier said than done.

Here are a few things that I have done.

Failure is very possible
OK, isn't this the hardest issue to grasp. Realizing and coming to grip with the fact that you could fail is life changing. The possibilities of every idea you launch being a hit is slim to none. However, embracing this truth can allow you to march forward without the pressure for perfection. Being OK with failure will not be so detrimental to your path of success.

You will make changes
Let's face it, the majority of most success stories ending looks nothing like their beginning. In other words, their detailed plan and blueprint has been changed, altered, trashed, thrown out, started over to get to where their at. The inability to not embrace change is the grave marker to any dream or goal.

Being at peace with the simple principle that things will change will make it easier as you reach for your goal. This has been eye opening for me, as someone who is a planner and perfectionist and struggles adapting on the go.

Stop planning and start doing
There comes a time when you've planned all you can plan. You have researched, you've mapped everything out. You've checked and double checked etc. You are as ready as ready can be. That's when you have to start doing something. You have to put action behind your words.

I have a note card that I see every time I walk out the door that reads, "Every dream and plan is only accomplished by action." It's my simple reminder that I can either plan on doing something or I can actually DO something. It's amazing how just starting can bring clarity to many areas that bring questions.

Make adjustments on the run
This has been my biggest challenge as well as the most rewarding. The ability to make adjustment when "the plan" breaks down can be the difference between meltdown and success. Anyone that is analytical knows that making quick decisions is never a strong point of ours. However realizing that every decision doesn't need analyzed, planned or a meeting called can work as a launching pad to any goal or project.

OK say it out loud, "Sometimes good enough is good enough." I know your saying, "this can't be right," but believe me this is the first step to killing your biggest enemy to productivity. Go for it! Today is the day to begin! It's a start... and that's all you need.

Do you struggle with perfectionism? How do you combat it? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

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Technorati Tags: dreams, goals, perfectionism, procrastination, productivity

Comments

[Rob]

David,
Great post, and right on the money. I think one of the key things that makes business people successful is learning when perfection matters and when they can settle for good-enough.

[Amanda]

David, I saw your comment on Small Business Trends and wanted to take a peek. This is a great article. I really liked your quote, "Every dream and plan is only accomplished by action". So true!

[Chris - soupornuts.com]

Hi David,

You are absolutely right - sometimes "good enough" is good enough. I think that those who don't really want to implement their "great idea", chain it down by saying only perfection is good enough. As you said, first you have to fire and then you can make corrections along the way so that you stay on course to hit your target. It's kind of like driving a car - you make a series of adjustments so that you can reach your destination.

[Terry Heath]

I would add in some cases "good enough" is better than you think. As long as you are taking the action as you see it right now, you might be surprised how good it really is.

Then, if you do fail you've got another experience to draw from next time.

[David Finch]

@Chris and @Terry

I think you both made so very key points. Making adjustments on the fly as well as taking action steps can be simple remedies for such a paralyzing mindset.