Spark Idea #6: Perfection or Perfunction?

PERFECTION OR PER-FUNCTION

This week I came across the thought of “Perfection or per-function?” This really sparked my interest, and I was determined to look at my own life and see whether or not trying to be perfect has been holding me back, and if perhaps I should be focusing on making things function for me instead.

So many people out there have these amazing dreams of starting their own business, launching their very first product, or just simply making a decision to step into a new direction. But there seems to be something stopping us all the time, and what I’ve noticed, even in myself, is that internal struggle between wanting to have things perfectly worked out before daring to let anyone see it.

We often get so caught up on trying to get our product perfect, or get our service perfectly laid out, that we waste so much time being “stagnant” and “non-functional”. The biggest misconception that we have is that something needs to be absolutely just right before we can even dare to put it out there. But you know what? How are we going to know if anyone else likes our idea or if customers find it valuable if we never share it? Feedback is such a critical stage in our business and product growth that it is actually limiting your potential when you wait too long to release your product or service.

This overwhelming need to have it all perfectly worked out is a big stumbling block that holds individuals back from getting themselves out there. The fact of the matter is, it’s never going to perfect! Every step of the journey will reveal new obstacles and a different point of view that will change your product entirely. Yet, you will never know these next steps if you don’t take that critical first action – putting it out there!

Now don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean that you should just be putting any old thing out there. You should still work at a high standard and take pride in what you create. However, you have to stop trying to be perfect – imperfect is good! People relate to people, they don’t want to be taught by “perfect robots”. So when they see your kinks and quirks, they can connect with you much more deeply, and can really be inspired by your ideas.

SO WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?

There really is no sure fire recipe or pint pointed timeline to tell you when the exact time is to launch. You just have to create that high standard product or service, make sure that it is viable and creates value for your audience, and then take that leap!

This makes me think back to before I launched my blog – I spent so much time on getting just the right name, striking just the perfect pose, and wording everything as effectively as I could. And yet, since launching, I have already changed so much as time went by! This just goes to show that even if I had launched sooner, I still would have had the room to grow along the way. There’s no real perfect time to get started – just get started!

[ctt title=”“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” – Lemony Snicket” tweet=”“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” – Lemony Snicket via @thecarlivh” coverup=”NdKV2″]

CHALLENGE

So this week I want to challenge you to stop aiming for perfection, but instead get your product or your service out there for it to ‘function’ for you! So what do I mean by “function for you”? These can be all the ways in which your product or service will serve YOU! Be that through building your brand, generating revenue, or even creating key relationships to support your progress along the way.

And the same goes for me. Why have I waited so long to launch my first product? Why is my consulting page still under construction? Well no more! This week I will be working hard to push myself to the next level, in both my personal and business life, and set a real actionable timeline to get that product launched!

So I really encourage you this week to take that first step with me – whatever your first step may be. We’ve discussed over and over again how you have to put yourself out there and speak up for others to hear your uniquely crafted message! So this is your chance.

Now I’d love to hear from YOU!

Have you been held back by the need to have it all figured out? What are some ways that you’ve overcome this stumbling block?
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As always, desire to inspire.