Procrastination and perfectionism can hold agency leaders back from taking action and making progress. We often tell ourselves stories that our work isn’t good enough yet or that we need to know more before launching something new or completing a project. But these limiting beliefs keep us stuck.
The expression "progress over perfection" reminds us to focus on moving forward rather than endlessly 'polishing'! Delivering an imperfect product is better than never launching at all. Taking small steps creates momentum while waiting for things to be flawless causes paralysis.
In today's episode, we'll discuss strategies for overcoming perfectionist tendencies. How can we challenge our inner critic? What mindset shifts help us value iteration and growth over chasing perfection? What practices help us deliver work, launch new offerings, and make continuous progress?
By taking action over aiming for perfection, we build momentum and bring our ideas to life. Progress fuels motivation, while the endless pursuit of perfection is demoralising.
Let's explore ways agency leaders can move from paralysis to traction by embracing "progress over perfection”.
Time Stamp
[00:00] Intro
[02:21] The origins of ‘done is better than perfect’
[03:00] Perfectionism is a fast track to failure
[03:40] Getting something done is so much better than hanging on to it because you feel it isn't yet perfect
[04:28] When is good enough, good enough? Your target audience will answer this question
[05:15] 10 reasons why you should get things done and off your plate
[05:27] 1. You get results faster!
[05:45] 2. Getting something done is overwhelmingly satisfying while perfection may keep us tweaking something forever.
[05:58] 3. Remember done is not over, you can still develop your craft, your idea, and your project
[06:16] 4. Done rather than perfect means you avoid paralysis
[09:27] If you get lost in the detail then stop, and remind yourself of the context
[10:20] Understand your minimum standard and start there
[10:45] An example of getting a PDF guide designed
[11:43] Write PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION on a post-it and remind yourself of it frequently!
Quotations
“No one is going to get rich off an idea that stays an idea.” - Rob Da Costa
“Take off your perfectionist hat and remind yourself of the purpose of the task at hand and who the audience is.” - Rob Da Costa
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Useful links mentioned in this episode: