Progress Over Perfection: The Key to Getting Shit Done

Are you stuck with your work, going around in circles and not actually getting much done? Maybe you are so focussed on trying to make something perfect that you are, in fact, not making any progress at all. By taking small baby steps towards your goal and stepping away from “perfection” (what even is that anyway?!) you will start to gain momentum and confidence.

The Problem with Perfection

According to Brené Brown, "Perfection is the enemy of progress". When we focus on perfection, we miss out on the opportunities to learn and improve. We become so fixated on getting the end result right that we do not learn from the process and the importance of making mistakes along the way.

The Power of Progress

By embracing progress, we open ourselves up to new experiences, learning, and self-improvement. Carol Dweck speaks to how having a fixed mindset can actually limit you, versus having a growth mindset where you open yourself up to challenge and learn from your actions.

How to Focus on Progress Over Perfection

• Each day, write down three small goals you want to achieve the next day

• Reward yourself when you complete the goals

• If stuff goes wrong, learn from it, don’t wallow in self-pity

• Practise self-compassion and self-awareness

• Focus on getting something done (regardless of how small it feels), rather than doing nothing

• Ask someone to hold you accountable (initially!)

Remember, progress is not a straight line. It's a winding road with ups and downs, twists and turns. But it's the small steps and what we learn from them that make us stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

Go on, get some shit done… today!