Better Done Than Perfect

Also, to hell with multitasking!

Bad news, y’all – nothing is perfect.

Despite our best efforts, nothing we do will be perfect. And I’d argue that even the things we work so hard to try to make perfect are rarely worth that much effort. Moreover, the quest for perfection gets in our way of actually getting things done.

Yes, details matter and quality is important, but at the end of the day, you still need to ship your product, finish that assignment, or complete a project. You can still strive for excellence without demanding perfection in everything from everyone.

Perfection, as they say, is the enemy of progress.

So how do you resist the temptation to be perfect, and what benefits do you get by doing so?

It helps if you try to change your mindset and embrace imperfection. For your consideration is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. It’s called Wabi-sabi and the term comes from the Japanese words wabi, which means "less is more", and sabi, which can mean "attentive melancholy". Isn’t that great? Attentive melancholy. I love that.

In Wabi Sabi Simple, author Richard R. Powell explains that,

"Wabi-sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect."

Embracing this concept can be highly beneficial for anyone working on a project in several ways:

1. It Makes You More Adaptable: When perfection is no longer the goal, you might be more willing to make decisions with the information available at the moment, rather than waiting to gather every possible detail. It creates a readiness to act on good-enough solutions which makes for quicker adjustments when project parameters or external conditions change.

2. Reduces Stress: Accepting imperfections is a lot more chill. Team members are more likely to take risks and contribute ideas without the fear of criticism. By not focusing solely on flawless results, leaders can help sustain motivation over the long term, despite any setbacks and challenges that may arise.

3. Improves Creativity: When you value the imperfect, you tend to embrace more innovative thinking and unique solutions. A perfection-focused setting can be very restricting. Once you accept that not everything must be perfect, it allows you to be more adaptive and responsive.

4. Promotes Iteration: The concept of Wabi Sabi teaches us that nothing is truly perfect or everlasting. Adopting this mindset allows you to embrace an iterative process with ongoing development. You can enhance things gradually over time and more effectively respond to user feedback.

5. Builds Resilience: By recognizing that flaws are part of the growth process, teams develop a stronger capacity to adapt and persevere. This resilience facilitates a more robust response to challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving. Embracing imperfection helps build resilience, enabling teams to better withstand and recover from setbacks.

6. Encourages Learning from Mistakes: Wabi-sabi nurtures an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities. What can you learn here? How will things evolve? What can we do with what we have? These kinds of questions are a lot more productive than asking how we can make this perfect?

In reality, I do struggle with this. All too often, I have my mind set on a project going a certain way. I get frustrated when things take a different direction or the project starts to shift. It can be a line to walk to make sure that your vision for what you set out to do is honored versus becoming so enamored with an unattainable idea you make yourself (and everyone else) crazy.

But more and more, I am coming to believe that appreciating flawed beauty is freeing. It's a reminder that gives me permission to move forward when I hit obstacles or feel stuck. Most projects are better done than perfect, and imperfection creates an authenticity that is ultimately more valuable than whatever perfect thing was I was trying to do.

Single Tasking

Everybody is in awe of the multitasker. They guy or gal that can do it all and they do it all the time.

Buuuuut, research over the years has shown that multitasking can actually reduce productivity and increase mistakes. Single Tasking, therefore, tends to be a more efficient way to work advocating for a focused and dedicated approach to one task at a time, much like our ancestors did in the days of yore (probably).

How It Works

Single Tasking involves focusing on a single task until it is done. Then, you move on to the next task.

It requires setting aside designated time slots for specific activities and avoiding the temptation to switch tasks until a natural breaking point or the task is finished. This often involves prioritizing tasks beforehand and then addressing them individually with your full attention.

Pros

• Increases efficiency and accuracy in work.

• Reduces stress and mental clutter by eliminating the need to switch contexts constantly.

• Enhances the quality of work as full attention leads to better execution.

• Can lead to deeper work and greater job satisfaction.

Cons

• It’s really difficult at first. It runs counter to what a lot of people believe about getting things done, so it can take a bit to get used to.

• May not be suitable for jobs that require rapid response to varying tasks.

• Can lead to a feeling of isolation if the task is prolonged and requires significant time away from collaborative opportunities.

Who It Works Best For

Single Tasking is ideal for people who engage in work that requires deep concentration and thought, such as writers, researchers, programmers, and artists. It is also great for anyone looking to reduce work-induced stress and improve their overall job satisfaction.

On Gratitude

Today is my wife’s birthday. It doesn’t take long to see that I am a bubbling mix of anxiety, random thoughts, and hyperactivity. Yet, I have found this amazing, beautiful, super smart, caring woman who chose to spend her life with me. I am not only grateful she was born, but I am also incredibly lucky that she seems to like me. Happy birthday, love. I hope your day has been amazing.