Done is better than perfect

This is great advice for quickly growing teams, evolving businesses, and gutsy entrepreneurs. But, like so much other advice, it sounds good and is hard to follow, especially in a competitive service business with unforgiving clients and high expectations.

Done is better than perfect because perfect never gets done. Today, I agree. Done is good enough to get the ball rolling.

Real estate agents face numerous challenges and the feeling that they need to deliver flawless services to their clients. However, like most endeavors, striving for perfection can be counterproductive and likely negatively impacts an agent’s business.

8 reasons why “done” is better than “perfect” for real estate agents

1. You get results Striving for perfectionism can delay the results of your work, leading to frustration for both you and your clients. Getting things done may not be perfect, but it means you have results, which is what matters most.
2. You avoid paralysis Perfectionism can cause a state of paralysis where you feel stuck and can’t get anything done. This can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of progress. Focusing on completing tasks rather than achieving perfection can help you avoid this paralysis.
3. You can still fix your mistakes You can always edit and improve your work even after it’s done. Perfectionism may cause you to spend too much time trying to get things perfect the first time, leading to unnecessary stress and wasted time.
4. You’re more stable. Perfectionism can negatively impact your mental and emotional health. Striving for perfection can take you out of balance, causing anxiety and stress. Focusing on getting things done can help you maintain a stable mindset and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
5. You’re more realistic Perfectionism is not a realistic goal. Instead, focus on completing tasks to the best of your ability while accepting that mistakes may happen. This approach sets a realistic and healthy standard for yourself and others.
6. You save more time Focusing on small details can cause you to waste time that could be spent on more important tasks. Learning to be content with completing tasks saves you more time in the long run, enabling you to be more productive and efficient.
7. You’re more productive Perfectionism can actually hinder productivity by causing you to get stuck on small details. Focusing on getting tasks done allows you to be more productive and accomplish more in less time.
8. You avoid burnout Perfectionism can lead to overworking, which can be detrimental to your health and well-being. It’s important to take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

While striving for excellence is admirable, perfectionism can be counterproductive and most often leads to unnecessary stress and frustration. Focusing on completing tasks to the best of your ability while accepting that mistakes may happen is a healthier and more efficient approach. I’ve almost convinced myself too.