I’ve just finished reading an article on Biznik—twice, actually—that I’m still trying to get my head around.
The author, “self-employment coach” Molly Gordon, talks about perfectionism vs. what she calls “visionism.” Perfectionism is born out of anxiety and “feels tight, fearful, and controlling.” Visionism is about having a gorgeous picture in your head of what you want to be or achieve. If you’re bright and creative, you feel bad that you can’t realize your vision 100%, so you hold back. But, as she says, putting your work out in the world when it is less than complete ain’t bad. For one thing, it exposes your efforts to the “light and air of interaction and feedback,” which are utterly necessary. According to her colleague Sean D’Souza, 70% “done” is what you want to aim for.
This article, which I hope you will read, was like a Christmas gift. For years, I’ve been focused more on perfection, which is unattainable. Duh. And I can tell you that the pursuit of perfection can quash pretty much everything.
Forge ahead boldly. Screw up a lot. (From what I’ve read, Steve Jobs did and recommended the process.) I’ll be right out there with you.
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