Done vs. Perfect
You’ve heard that quote, “Done is better than perfect”… Is it really? Must they be mutually exclusive? Must they compete with one another? If “Done” was in a wrestling match with “Perfect”, who would win?
I am a perfectionist from way back, & I don’t mean in a good way, I mean in an annoying, procrastinaty, counter-productive way. I’ve needed to redefine “perfection” in order to spare my sanity & get things done, but even so, here I am, labouring for days (weeks…months!) over painstaking detail… But God is in the detail, right? Or is it the Devil? Perhaps they’re both in there, fighting the same fight as Done & Perfect.
My point is, what’s wrong with aiming for completion and perfection? The way I look at it, perfection is more about the process than the outcome; it’s about taking your vision, that idea that excites & inspires you, & communicating it as clearly & accurately as you can manage. It’s about striving to make something the best it can be, testing your mettle, giving it your all. And in doing that, the importance of the outcome seems to pale in comparison to the process – the perfection comes from doing it with love & passion, energy, focus & your very best efforts. There’s so much more pride & fulfilment in that than simply “done”.
How weird & amazing, that what starts as a tiny spark between synapses, then a scribble in your sketchbook, turns into this fully-realised thing: a product of your dedication to that little fledgling idea in its flight from abstract to concrete. It’s easy to take that for granted, but it’s a really big deal!
Which segues me nicely into my next topic…my shop…*sigh*…my shop… Firstly it was going to be ready by October, then November, then the holiday season passed me by… The good news is, we’re just putting the final flourishes together – the cherry on the sundae – doing a bit more testing, & the Magic Jelly Emporium will be good to go for the New Year. In the case of my shop, I chose “perfect & done” over “done”.
Sure, I missed the Christmas season, but I don’t like to look at that as Done: 1, Perfect: 0. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about my business, it’s that there’s no such thing as instant gratification, it’s a slow process building a little empire. It’s an investment. Part of doing things just right is because this is a super-competitive market, & branding, marketing & presentation matter. But more than that, it’s just about personal pride & fulfilment, a love of what I’m doing & desire to do my very best, & recognition that it’s not all about the money.
That is why my shop isn’t open yet, because I want it to be a work of art along with the things I’m selling in it. But it’s coming – it’s going to be a great way to start off 2012!
I’m with you Karena-I am forever looking for perfection, and when i think i got it i change my mind and do it all over again. Right now i’m re-designing all of my personal websites(I have 3)….
So take your time, It’s worth it.
Noar
Three???!!! Oh my, I’m having enough trouble with one! It’s worth taking the extra time & trouble, isn’t it?
Yep, I over-perfectionise all the time … added to that, all my textile art is extremely SLOW to make – but that’s one of the most satisfying things about it ;)
I totally agree with you. I used to embroider – just as a little hobby though – & the painstaking detail & slow pace is part of the enjoyment, isn’t it? Very rewarding! I’d like to take it up again, but my eyes get tired working all day, so I like to give them some time off in the evenings.
For me, perfection leads me to not finishing projects when the process just takes to long. It helps me to just stop also when I´m not really sure if it is finished. After a while I won’t look at it in the same way as I did in the creating proces. Most of the time I´m as satisfied as after 10 hours of extra work..
But, you are really making me more curious about your shop. It must be worth the waiting.
Yes, that is one of the drawbacks for sure. The closer you get to finishing, the more difficult it is for fear of messing it all up! I used to really let that get to me, but now I just try to go with the flow & accept the little mistakes as part of the process. I’ve also found that messing up can inspire new ideas. I agree that it’s important to know when to stop – I’ve overworked some stuff in the past. I *hope* my shop is worth the wait…we shall soon see… :)