Better Done than Perfect

In my youth, I was quite the perfectionist, but nowadays, I firmly believe that getting things done is more important than achieving perfection. Is it a sign of aging? Not really! Embracing the idea that "done is better than perfect" isn't about growing old; it's about gaining wisdom and maturity in decision-making. It's a shift towards practicality and efficiency, acknowledging that perfectionism often causes unnecessary delays and stress.

This mindset values progress and completion, especially in fast-paced environments where adaptability and timely delivery are crucial. It reflects professional growth and strategic thinking, traits that are valuable at any age. By embracing this approach, individuals can increase productivity, foster creativity, and maintain a healthier work-life balance, which benefits everyone regardless of their career stage.

Here’s a deeper look at this philosophy:

1. Overcoming Paralysis by Analysis: Perfectionism can lead to endless cycles of scrutinizing, tweaking, and hesitating, often termed as "paralysis by analysis." This can delay completion, or worse, prevent starting a project altogether. Embracing the idea that "it is better done than perfect" encourages taking action and moving forward, even if the results are not flawless. It prioritizes momentum and progress, recognizing that a completed task with imperfections is often more valuable than an unfinished project waiting for perfection.

2. Valuing Learning Through Doing: Perfectionists often fear making mistakes, seeing them as failures rather than opportunities for learning and growth. By shifting focus to completing tasks, individuals open themselves up to the learning that comes from experience, including from errors and missteps. This approach fosters personal development and resilience, as one learns to adapt and improve based on real-world feedback rather than theoretical perfection.

3. Enhancing Productivity and Creativity: Aiming for perfection can stifle creativity and slow productivity, as the fear of not meeting high standards can inhibit experimentation and risk-taking. However, when the goal is shifted to completion, there’s more freedom to innovate and explore different approaches. This can lead to more creative outcomes and efficient workflows, as the pressure to achieve a perfect product is lessened.

4. Promoting Mental Health and Well-being: The stress and anxiety associated with striving for perfection can be overwhelming and detrimental to mental health. By adopting a mindset that values completion, individuals can reduce these negative emotions, leading to greater satisfaction and a healthier work-life balance. It helps in setting more realistic expectations for oneself and appreciating one's efforts more fully.

5. Building Confidence Through Achievements: Every completed task, regardless of its imperfections, is an achievement that builds self-confidence. It reinforces the idea that one is capable of finishing what they start, which can be incredibly empowering. This is particularly important in environments where the pressure to perform can be high, and where the pursuit of perfection might otherwise lead to discouragement and self-doubt.

In summary, the phrase "it is better done than perfect" is not just about lowering standards, but rather about redefining what success looks like. It’s about understanding that in many cases, the act of finishing something—imperfect as it may be—is in itself a perfect response to the demands of real life. It encourages a healthier, more balanced approach to work and life, where progress and completion are celebrated as valuable achievements.

Elga Lejarza

HRTrainingClasses.com

HRDevelop.com