“Well begun is half done.”
“Launch & learn.”
“Don’t let the perfect become the enemy of the good.”
Cliché? Yes. But clichés become worn-out for a reason.
They contain broadly applicable wisdom. Principles that have been used and reused so often that they’re transformed into trite soundbites we’d rather roll our eyes at than take to heart.
All of these sentiments – the ones that encourage us to keep out ultimate goal in mind, to cast aside doubt, and to just get started – are valid. Many of us battle ceaselessly against our tendencies to procrastinate and delay taking action..
All of it driven by a fear of what lies ahead.
But just as there’s a time to gather our resources and set out on our journey – even if we don’t know where it’ll take us, or if we’re even capable of reaching our destination…
There’s a time to set aside our pursuit of done and focus on arriving there properly instead.
We don’t judge great work solely on appearances.
- Peeling paint on the exterior could hide world-class architecture inside.
- A plain cover can be wrapped around profound wisdom.
- A battered instrument might produce the most haunting melodies.
But a shabby finish or rough exterior doesn’t help.
Depending on the context, it can communicate poor attention to detail. It might even suggest that corners have been cut elsewhere.
It’s harsh – but it’s logical.
If you can’t be bothered to meet expectations in the places where everyone’s watching, what’s to stop you doing the same in the places that no one sees?
Perfection isn’t a requirement. Having standards is.
If we’re not proud to stand beside our work – without any feelings of shame or embarassment – that might be a sign we need to work on our mindset. Or that we’re holding work-in-progress to a “finished” standard (which is counterproductive).
But it might just mean we’re not done yet.
If that’s the case, we know what we need to do.
Return to the process.
Push further.
Stress-test the software.
Smooth off the rough edges.
Apply another coat of paint.
Edit, edit, and edit again.
It’s thankless work… most of the time.
But it’s also what separates forgettable experiences from the things that stick with us, long after the moment has passed.
For work that matters, a polished finish is exactly what it deserves.