The outcome of any decision is a product of the quality of the decision times the quality of the execution. A 10-quality decision times a 10-quality execution equals a 100 outcome (10 x 10 = 100).
The challenge is that it is very hard to know when you have reached a 10-quality decision and paralysis through analysis is always a risk. Perfectionism can be a sophisticated form of avoidance: fear wearing a tuxedo, passing as conscientiousness.
Execution occurs over time and allows for correction and improvement via ongoing feedback i.e. iteration. We learn best by acting, receiving input, adjusting, and trying again. Very little of consequence emerges fully formed. Progress happens in cycles and excellence is best achieved through repeated refinement rather than a single brilliant effort.
Caution: In certain domains (aircraft maintenance, nuclear power operations, medication doses) ‘good enough’ isn’t.
Closing Quotes:
“Done is better than perfect.” – Sheryl Sandberg, b. 1969, COO Meta, 2008-2022
“Anything worth doing is worth doing badly at first.” – G. K. Chesterton, 1874-1936
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney, 1901-1966
“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” – Pat Riley, b. 1945, 5x NBA Champion Head Coach
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar, 1926-2012, ‘See You at the Top’
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier
Note: Every effort has been made to properly source any 3rd person material. I am, however, a voracious reader. If anyone finds any unattributed material, pls let me know asap and I will be delighted to give credit where credit is due.
“All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832
