In early 2012, Mark Zuckerberg wrote a letter to prospective shareholders in the upcoming Facebook IPO. In it, he said, “We have the words ‘Done is better than perfect’ painted on our walls to remind ourselves to always keep shipping”.
Many people often fail to ‘get it shipped’.
Why?
Because our fear of criticism or fear of failure due to not being perfect is more immediate, more imminent. It’s a powerful force, while our desire to achieve our goals – whatever they may be – feels further away, and weaker by comparison.
As a result, we take actions that push the immediate threat away, rather than making the uncomfortable choice to take action that will pull a desirable future closer.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t care about the quality of your work. Don’t do shoddy work, but don’t concern yourself with attempting to be perfect.
What project are you sitting on right now, and not ‘shipping’ because of a fear of imperfection?
What are you going to do about it?
Now put that action in your diary, and do it 🙂
My best wishes, Paul
