Summary

The article emphasizes that aiming for completion and functionality is more beneficial than striving for perfection, which can hinder progress and success.

Abstract

The article "8 Reasons Perfection Is Stopping You" argues that the pursuit of perfection can be counterproductive. It suggests that getting things done is more important than achieving an unattainable ideal of perfection. The author points out that perfection is subjective and momentary, and the effort to make something perfect often leads to missed opportunities, delayed rewards, and reduced productivity. The article encourages readers to release their work to the world, where it can start making an impact and be improved over time through feedback and iteration. It also highlights that waiting for perfection can result in someone else beating you to the market, and that perfectionism can be a form of procrastination that serves the ego rather than progress.

Opinions

Perfection is a flawed concept because it is subjective and transient, varying between individuals and situations.
Pursuing perfection can lead to financial losses as it delays the release of products or services that could be earning.
The longer one waits to release work, the less likely it is to ever be released, and the opportunity for audience feedback and improvement is lost.
There is a risk of being outpaced by competitors who are willing to release earlier, imperfect versions of a similar idea.
Completion should be seen as the starting point for continuous improvement rather than the end goal.
Perfectionism can significantly reduce productivity by consuming time that could be spent on other productive tasks.
The desire for perfection often serves the creator's ego rather than the practical goals of the project.
Using perfection as an excuse is a common form of procrastination that prevents individuals from achieving their goals and reaping the benefits of their work.
The author believes that the concept of perfection is not only unattainable but also detrimental to making a real impact with one's work.

8 Reasons Perfection Is Stopping You

Getting it Done is better than making it Perfect

It’s all very well striving for perfection, but that can have an adverse effect.

The dictionary definition of perfect is:

complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type or without fault — Cambridge Dictionary

My view is that something is only perfect in the moment, at that time, for the scenario.

Perfection is also, very much, a question of taste. What is perfect for one person may not be perfect for someone else.

Regardless of this, however, reaching a perfect state is almost always impossible.

Therefore, whilst you are looking to create the perfect party, product, social media post, service or anything else, then you are not reaping any rewards.

Here’s a list of 8 Reasons Why DONE Is Better Than Perfect.

You can’t make money from something you haven’t done.

If your goal is to make money, then the sooner you ‘release’ your product, the sooner you can earn the rewards.

Waiting for perfection will have an impact on your earnings potential.

You can always iterate and update to constantly improve.

2. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to do it…

If you keep checking, checking and checking again, then you’re not reaping any rewards.

In fact you could use your audience to help improve, by asking for feedback.

3. Worse still, someone will do it before you.

In striving for perfection, you’ll be beaten to the post by someone else and you’ll lose any competitive advantage.

Don’t keep waiting. Have faith and confidence and ‘get it out there’.

The important thing is that your idea is free and you can build from there.

4. Done doesn’t mean over. You can always improve.

This is similar to Number 1.

You should never stand still.

Keep reviewing, updating and improving to reach your goals.

5. When you spend time perfecting, your productivity plummets.

Reading and reviewing takes time and this is time you could spend on other things to move yourself and your project forward.

Don’t wait for perfection. It doesn’t exist.

6. Perfection is for your ego.

We all love and treasure the work we do. That’s why we do it. However, being proud of your work shouldn’t prevent you from progressing.

Take the bull by the horns and get out there.

7. Perfect is basically another word for ‘Procrastinate’.

I love this one.

You are using the ‘it’s not perfect’ excuse as a reason for not announcing your goals (even if just to yourself).

Don’t delay, get out there and start to reap the benefits

8. There is no such thing as perfect.

I’ve already said this.

Striving for perfection is admirable, but it mustn’t be at the expense of making an impact right now.

Hopefully, you can see the benefit of getting your work or ideas out, and that whilst perfection is a goal, you can always keep updating, improving and benefitting as time progresses.

What do you think? Can perfection ever be achieved?

Thank you for reading

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