Perfection is the Enemy of Progress

I have stalled on many projects because I didn't think I had all my ducks in a row, that I hadn't thought every aspect of a task through. Therefore, I reasoned with myself, that I must spend even more time until I lay ALL the foundation and ground work for a project or task to be successful. This approach may sound practical and responsible to many, but this type of obsession with perfection often leads to paralysis analysis.

In my own life, I have come to the conclusion that this over analyzing is less about wanting to be perfect and more about guarding my own insecurities. Honestly, I don't want to fail. I don't want to be told I have gotten it wrong. Feelings of inadequacy creep up when failure shows its face. I don't want to feel inadequate. I want to know I am doing things right. In an attempt to avoid these feelings I over analyze tasks and end up procrastinating.

I guess what I am trying to say is perfection is the enemy of progress and production. Just do it. Make mistakes and learn from them.

Mars is the creative director for Refuge Creative Collective, a higher education professional, and a performing/recording artist on the Refuge Creative Collective outfit.