I am the type of person who does not like to release something until it is finished and perfect. In my area of expertise, where I am very efficient, this can be an advantage. I work fast enough and well enough to get things done and polished to a level that satisfies my perfectionism. In areas that I want to be proficient it is not necessarily bad, since there is rarely need to publish my practice. There is another category, however, in which this trait hinders me.
There are many skills in life which everyone should possess in some degree. Writing, for example. As I get older and have more responsibilities I realize that I no longer have the luxury of time to spend honing my skill in private before exercising it in public. Things never get done and I need something done. This blog is a perfect example of that. I am not a bad writer, I hope, but I do not meet my own stringent standards for publication. I have many more drafts on this blog than finished pieces.
Music is another area that could fall prey to the same fault. In my case it has not hindered me and in it I find the solution. Music is more enjoyable for me when there are several musicians. I enjoy playing music too much to let my perceived inadequacies as a musician stop me from playing with people. Also, with music it is obvious that you learn faster when playing with others than by yourself. Letting people see you while you learn and grow is unavoidable.
The trick is to accept inferior work (in my estimation), understanding that it is good enough. I tell myself three things:
- Do not expect yourself to be able to crank out high-quality work yet, this is something you are learning.
- This is not the best you can do, but it is the best you will do, given the time constraints.
- This will make you better in the future.
This is nothing new. Many people have explored this topic (some are listed below). This post is my first exercise. There is a good piece of advice from writing that is applicable in many fields, I think: Set a regular publication period and meet it, even if your results are not perfect. Perfection comes through practice. It is a common mistake to let the quest for perfection hinder practice. It is a mistake I will no longer allow myself. Expect biweekly entries on this blog.
If you are interested, here are some other people’s thoughts on the subject:
- Yes, But What Have You Done? by Jeff Atwood
- Procrastination and Perfectionism by John Perry