The Perfection Paradox: Why 'Good Enough' is Often Better

The fundamental observation about the /Perfection Paradox/ is that the pursuit of perfection introduces a paradoxical constraint on productivity. Counterintuitively, our most refined intentions can become the very mechanism that inhibits meaningful advancement.

At its core, the Perfection Paradox describes how the relentless pursuit of perfection (in planning) can become an obstacle rather than a pathway to excellence. Here’s how it usually unfolds in my work:

Fear of Failure

I often hesitate to put plans into action because I dread the possibility that my work might not be flawless from the outset. This fear can lead to inaction, which is the death of creation.

Over-Optimization

I spend hours optimizing a piece of code or a blog post, only to realize that these refinements yield negligible improvements. Sometimes, the quest for perfection leads me down rabbit holes of over-optimization where the return on my efforts is minuscule. I feel deflated.

Procrastination (my favorite)

I wait for the perfect moment, the perfect idea, or the perfect condition. But guess what? Perfection rarely makes an appearance when I am waiting.

Analysis Paralysis

I analyze, ponder, and internally debate outcomes until a decision becomes too complex to make. This is a classic sign of being trapped in the perfection paradox.

Escaping the Paradox

Nowadays, I attempt to sidestep this paradox in the following ways:

Set Realistic Standards

Perfection is an ideal, not a practical goal for every task. I still set high standards, but ones that are within my reach within the time constraint allotted. Remember, /“good enough”/ is precisely what I aim for now so that I can get feedback earlier and learn more.

Adopt the MVP Approach

In software development, we talk about the Minimum Viable Product. Get something functional out there, gather feedback, and iterate. This approach not only saves time but encourages a culture of learning and adaptation and I recommend it.

Time-Boxing Decisions

Use time as a constraint. When I know I only have a certain amount of time to decide, plan, write, etc, I become compelled to choose a path that’s “good enough” rather than perfect. So keep time- or attention-constraints in mind to keep you creating.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Every misstep as a learning opportunity. In programming, as in life, we learn more from what didn’t work than from what did (within reason), so I try to adopt this in more endeavors.

Iterative Development

Rather than aiming for perfection in one go, refine over time. Iteration allows for continuous improvement without the pressure to be perfect at the start.

Self-Compassion

Be gentle with yourself. We are all human, after all, with our own set of flaws and foibles. Perfectionism can be a sign of not accepting one’s own limitations (or in my case, cultural programming from a very young age that is less forgiving to girls or women).

Prioritize Wisely

Not every part of your project needs the same level of polish. Decide where perfectionism adds value and where it’s just a hindrance to give my inner perfectionist an outlet a small amount of time.

Letting Go

There comes a point where you must release your creation into the wild. Not everything can be controlled or perfected. Not releasing your creation for others to experience or use is the failure!

Early Feedback

Engage with potential users or peers early. Feedback can guide your efforts more effectively than chasing an abstract notion of perfection. Prioritize learning than seeming perfect.

Celebrate Incremental Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate every step forward. Progress, not perfection, should be our beacon.

TL;DR

In our pursuit of excellence, let’s not forget that the journey is as important as the destination and the path can yield very different results. The Perfection Paradox teaches us that sometimes, by aiming too high too quickly, we miss the opportunities that lie in the ‘good enough’.

“The perfect is the enemy of the good,” attributed to Voltaire as he quoted an Italian proverb, is the perfect aphorism I can think to end this post.