Done is Better than Perfect
I couldn't help but grin.
I was browsing through a post in one of our exclusive mastermind groups for coaching members, where a member expressed concern about a marketing piece he had commissioned.
The specifics aren't crucial. In short, he was uncertain if this marketing piece truly reflected him. It was a legitimate concern, and he sought advice on whether to discard it, send it out, or have it redone.
Fellow coaching members offered some truly creative solutions.
Then, like a flash of inspiration, came the response that made me smile widely... "Done is better than perfect," it read.
Boom! I love it!
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An Important Adage About Perfectionism
Now, I’m not writing this blog to call this guy out.
I’m writing it because when you’re trying to figure out how to achieve goals, invested in what you’re doing, and you have high standards for yourself and your business – sound familiar? – it can be all too easy to forget this important adage. So we all need to be reminded sometimes.
Acknowledging the feedback, he responded, "I can be stubborn, so thanks for the nudge!" As a real estate professional, you have a lot to juggle. If you obsess over every minor detail, your time management will suffer, you won't accomplish much, and you'll struggle to gain traction in this industry.
What is perfectionism?
Perfectionism is seen as a drive for excellence, but it can quickly become a barrier to success. While striving for high standards is important, perfectionism can lead to self-doubt, fear of failure, and even procrastination.
Instead of pushing through obstacles or learning from setbacks, those who struggle with perfectionism may get caught in the trap of overthinking or constantly second-guessing themselves.
To overcome perfectionism, it’s crucial to shift your focus from achieving flawlessness to making progress and embracing the process.
Recognize that perfection doesn’t exist and that every step, no matter how imperfect, brings you closer to your goals. By letting go of perfectionism, you unlock the potential to grow, adapt, and truly succeed.
Is perfectionism a bad thing?
Is perfectionism a bad thing? Not necessarily, but it can be if it holds you back from making progress. While striving for excellence can drive you to achieve great things, perfectionism often creates unrealistic standards that lead to frustration and burnout.
The key is balance.
Aim for high standards, but allow yourself to make mistakes, learn, and adjust along the way. When perfectionism becomes a roadblock rather than a motivator, it’s time to shift your focus from flawless results to consistent effort and growth.
Embrace the idea that done is better than perfect, and you'll find yourself moving forward with greater ease and success.
Perfectionists: Don’t Overthink It!
So that’s it… The whole point of today’s blog is that perfectionism is not your friend. Top producers don’t let tiny details derail them from executing their plans. They get stuff done and keep moving forward.
Whether you prefer “Done is better than perfect,” “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good,” or simply “Don’t overthink it,” you should hang a reminder up in your office to keep you moving forward consistently.
To achieve what you really want in life, it’s not enough to just wish for success; you must put in the work, day in and day out. The best way to start is by shifting your mindset—moving away from perfectionism and instead embracing daily habits of successful people. When you set SMART goals and commit to them, you’re not just mapping out the path—you’re ensuring your actions align with your bigger vision. Visualization techniques can help keep your focus sharp, while putting your foot down and committing to the work ensures you don’t get distracted. Sure, setbacks happen, but they don’t define you; your ability to shift your identity and bounce back from adversity does.
If you’re serious about boosting motivation and becoming your best self, find your "why" and use it as a filter for everything you do. It’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of knowing vs doing, but real progress comes when you shift from planning to action. When work fatigue or perfectionism creeps in, remind yourself that it’s the daily discipline that leads to lasting results.
Remember, success doesn’t come from avoiding failure; it comes from committing to the process and embracing each step of your journey. Keep refining, keep pushing forward, and this can truly be your best year ever.
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