Done Is Better Than Perfect

Done is better than perfect, and I’m retraining muscles to remember that.

In a previous (long) chapter of my work life at The Wall Street Journal, perfection was—and still is—the coin of the realm. It has to be, because the stakes are pretty high.

That high standard permeates what I do, and how I write. Sentences, tenses, structure—all of it has to be on-point. And if it’s not…

Let the cringing begin.

Occasionally, I’ll go back to a post, and notice that a word is missing, or a verb tense is off. The editor in me is cringing—gah, how did I let that get into the world? Yet, the coach in me says—it’s out in the world. Go in and fix it. You’ll survive.

The balance I am inhabiting now is tricky. Do I need to have high standards? Yes, no question about it. And, that quest for perfection can lead to procrastination and overthinking. Wanting this LinkedIn post, for example, to be so good and error-free, that it never sees the light of day.

In other words, done is better than perfect.

Finding the balance

The question is, how do I maintain the balance of high standards, and grace for myself?

By remembering that I can have both at the same time. They aren’t mutually exclusive. This way, I model something special for my coaching clients: the ability to know where they stand, and the grace to know things will be fine.

I think there’s a tendency to use perfection as a form of procrastination—if I can’t be at my best, if I can’t display my best, then what’s the point. Let’s reframe this: the window for perfection is small. Now knowing this, can you bring your best self—warts and all—to the project, the program, the task at hand?

Yes, and…we can build confidence in your ability to be present for what you seek to accomplish.

And, a crucial point: Be really, really careful about the stories and narratives you set out in your head. They may not be true, and may slow you down and lead you down a false path.

With all that said, there may be a mistake lurking in this post. I’m sure I’ll find it in a day or so.

It’ll be done. And that’s better than perfect.

How have you overcome perfectionism? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified career and health coach, trained in habit change, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career and health journeys. I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.