Done Is Better Than Perfect: Why Perfectionism Kills Progress

Sheryl Sandberg’s quote, “Done is better than perfect,” carries a powerful truth for anyone striving to improve. Too often, we fall into the trap of perfectionism—endlessly tweaking, polishing, and revising in pursuit of an ideal that doesn’t exist. While it’s good to aim high, perfectionism can often become a roadblock, preventing us from taking action and making real progress.

Winston Churchill expressed a similar idea when he said, “Perfection is the enemy of progress.” These words remind us that the pursuit of perfection can stifle growth, keep us stuck in analysis paralysis, and hold us back from achieving meaningful results.

The problem with perfectionism is that it creates an all-or-nothing mindset. If something can’t be done flawlessly, we often feel it’s not worth doing at all. But this approach ignores the power of incremental progress. Small, consistent actions—however imperfect—lead to far greater results than waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan.

Imagine a writer who never publishes their work because they feel it’s not perfect. Their ideas, no matter how brilliant, remain trapped in drafts no one ever sees. Contrast this with someone who writes and publishes consistently, improving with each piece. The latter might not start perfect, but over time, their work evolves, and they build a body of meaningful contributions. Progress, not perfection, is what drives success.

This principle applies to almost every area of life. Whether you’re trying to start a new habit, launch a business, or learn a skill, waiting for the perfect conditions will only delay your results. Instead, focus on taking the next step. It might not be flawless, but it moves you forward.

The Systems Approach to Overcoming Perfectionism

The systems mindset is an effective antidote to perfectionism. A system is built around consistent effort, not perfect outcomes. By focusing on systems, you shift your attention from flawless execution to steady progress.

Let’s say you want to start exercising regularly. Instead of trying to design the perfect workout plan, start with a simple system. Go for a walk every morning or do 10 minutes of stretching daily. These small, manageable steps don’t require perfection; they just require consistency. Over time, you can refine and build on this system, but the key is getting started.

A system doesn’t judge whether today’s effort was “perfect.” It simply ensures you take action, and that action, however small, compounds over time. By adopting this mindset, you free yourself from the paralysis of perfectionism and embrace a more sustainable path to improvement.

Done beats Perfect Every Time

The next time you’re tempted to hold back because something isn’t perfect, remember this: progress only happens when you act. Sheryl Sandberg and Winston Churchill both understood that waiting for perfection is a recipe for inaction. Done is better than perfect because action creates momentum, and momentum leads to growth.

Don’t let the pursuit of perfection rob you of the opportunity to move forward. Embrace imperfection, focus on progress, and trust that consistency will lead you to the results you desire. After all, even the smallest step forward is better than standing still.