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Will Haas's avatar

Well said. Perhaps the most powerful advice you have given. It is a simple idea that requires discipline which makes it hard to accomplish. Focus on the “why” is key to the required discipline. I am happy to see your OR roots run deep.

Eva Chen's avatar

80% is better than 100%… really interesting. If most of us know that done is better than perfect then why are there so many perfectionist? And achievers who always move the finish line father out?

Michael Woudenberg's avatar

There are two camps infight with. The perfectionists who will always find something more, and the wingnits who try to ship things long before they are ready. Neither has a good notion of ‘customer’ acceptability.

What are your thoughts on the perfectionists?

Eva Chen's avatar

Love the insight of perfectionists and wingints. I feel like I’ve been both at times but the interesting thing is that they both been driven by fear. when I had to perform as a kid to play a piece perfectly to get good scores. Then when I realized I could never get it perfect, I’d wing it. Two sides of the same coin.

The achiever part of me was driven by love, the more I achieved the more love and attention I got from my parents. I’ve looked at these patterns from the root and it has brought me back to my childhood development

Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Thta’s awesome to hear. I often get accused of both ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants” and “pedantic”….sometimes at the same time.

Jamison Price's avatar

This is really excellent, thanks for sharing. It’s encouraged me to spend my creative time next week hitting publish on a series of essays I’ve been hesitating to start. I’m also recognizing how the implementation of this framework requires relentlessly asking yourself if you’re actually practicing it. In the past few years, I would say I have gotten quite good at the “good enough” approach. But when I take full stock, some of my “biggest” next steps or projects are being stalled by hesitation. Thanks for the nudge.

Michael Woudenberg's avatar

That's so cool. I'm looking forward to it. Drop a link here when you do!

Gloria W's avatar

I wish I had read this a few days ago, before spending hours trying to get something "perfect" when it was "good enough".

Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Well, now you have it forever!!

Abraham Samuel Finny's avatar

Enjoyed the read and just subscribed!

Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Awesome and welcome to the adventure!

Abraham Samuel Finny's avatar

Thank you! I also write about science, so please check it out!

Sam Alaimo's avatar

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." Taking this hammer to all domains in life. Love it, Michael.

Michael Woudenberg's avatar

Best mantra ever!