Perfectionism Kills

My first professional website was an eyesore.

I didn’t think it was all that great. It was simple and it didn’t have the flare I was used to seeing on other websites and I would pick at it needlessly.

The color scheme was tired.

The font was unoriginal.

The design was simple.

I almost didn’t submit the finished product because I thought so lowly of it. When I did present the website to the client, they loved it and I was perplexed.

How could they like it, let alone love it?

And that is when I understood, that just because you think something is ugly, doesn’t mean someone else will. Perfectionism steals your joy and creativity. It manifests doubt and constant criticism, which can lead to procrastination because you crave perfection.

But you don’t need perfection. You are only setting yourself up for failure if you try to meet those high expectations. I’m not saying don’t have standards. I’m saying don’t let those high standards stop you from moving forward. Don’t let those standards paralyze you from taking action.

If I hadn’t submitted my project because it wasn’t perfect. I would not be where I am currently. That project was a launching pad to show the tech world that I was capable.

And eventually, I secured a job because I refused to let perfection hinder my progress.

If you ever feel the need for something to be perfect, remember that nothing is ever perfect. All you have to do is put your best foot forward and refuse to let doubt and insecurity stop you from reaching your goal.

So, build that website.

Make that design.

Create that network lab.

Just do something that will get you better each day! There is no need to be perfect.