Perfect ≠ Done
Perfection is not a realistic goal because it does not really exist. If it did, it would be a constantly changing ideal that is a futile attempt to meet. That level is different for everyone, each situation, and once you fictionally reach it, the level changes again. Perfection is more of an excuse used to not move forward since the goal is not possible to obtain. Perfect is really the enemy of done because perfection hinders achievement.
We can not define what perfection should look like nor reproduce it. Yet we can improve on “perfect” over time. So does it really exist?
Good, great or excellent can be a smart goal once articulated outside of our minds once we understand what those expectations look like and then execute it. The journey (getting it done) may not be what we first expected. We can adapt to changes until it is done.
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
If this quote is a true statement, perfection is similar to simplicity. Simplicity keeps changing, hoping for the better.
Calling a cab to using Uber. Just like computers improve every year, so do our mobile phones. Owning a vacation home to any Airbnb location of our choosing. Even owning a supercomputer can improve by renting the use of a quantum computer in the cloud only when you need access to it. Owning vs. accessing the latest, most improved thing.
As I write this, being in the office has been simplified to not going anywhere physically unless you create or move physical objects for your own work. You do not need to be in anyone’s office space, but your own work environment that you choose.
Do not aim for perfection. Everything changes over time. Aim for good, great or excellent. And keep clarifying by simplifying.
Henrik de Gyor 