We’ve all been there. You’re staring at a blank page, hesitating to write that first sentence because it isn’t perfect. Or maybe you’ve been planning to launch a side hustle, redesign your website, or start eating healthy—but you keep delaying because it’s not quite right. That’s the trap of perfectionism, and it’s a productivity killer.
There’s a famous phrase that says, “Perfect is the enemy of the good.” It sounds simple, but it carries a profound truth. In our quest to get everything exactly right, we often end up doing nothing at all. We aim so high that we paralyze ourselves. In this article, we’re going to break down why chasing perfection holds you back, how to embrace “good enough,” and what happens when you shift from perfection to progress.
Let’s get into it.
In This Article
What Does “Perfect is the Enemy of the Good” Actually Mean?
This quote is often attributed to the French writer and philosopher Voltaire, though variations of the sentiment have existed for centuries. In essence, it means that if you wait until something is perfect, you may never complete it—or worse, never even begin.
In other words, “perfect” can stop you from doing “good,” and good is almost always better than nothing.
Think about this:
- A good workout you actually do is better than a perfect workout plan you never follow.
- A decent article you publish is better than a flawless piece that stays in drafts forever.
- An imperfect budget that helps you manage money is better than no budget at all.
Perfectionism masquerades as ambition, but in reality, it’s fear in disguise.
Why Do We Struggle with Perfectionism?
Understanding the root causes can help us combat the problem. Here are a few reasons why perfectionism sneaks into our lives:
1. Fear of Failure
We fear making mistakes or looking foolish, so we convince ourselves that only perfection is acceptable.
2. Fear of Judgment
What will people think? Will they criticize my work? If it’s perfect, they won’t have anything negative to say—right? (Spoiler alert: they still might.)
3. Procrastination in Disguise
Perfectionism gives us a “legit” excuse to delay. We’re not lazy, we’re just “not quite ready.” See how convenient that is?
4. All-or-Nothing Thinking
If it’s not the best, it’s worthless. That black-and-white thinking stops you from appreciating the value in small wins and steady progress.
5. Social Media & Comparison Culture
In the age of Instagram and LinkedIn, everyone seems to be living their best, curated lives. This adds pressure to match that level of polish.
How Perfectionism Kills Progress
Now that we know why we fall into the perfection trap, let’s look at what it costs us.
✅ You Delay Taking Action
You tell yourself you’ll start your podcast once you get the right mic, logo, intro music, editing skills… and three years later, it’s still just an idea.
✅ You Miss Opportunities
While you’re stuck fine-tuning your resume, someone else with less experience (but more confidence) lands the job.
✅ You Waste Time and Energy
Instead of completing three tasks, you spend all day obsessing over one—and still feel unsatisfied.
✅ You Set Yourself Up for Burnout
The constant pressure to get everything right is mentally exhausting. It creates unrealistic expectations that no human can sustain.
✅ You Never Finish Things
Your “perfect” novel? Unfinished. Your “perfect” business idea? Still in your notes app. Perfectionism is the fastest way to become a professional starter with no completions.
Real-Life Examples Where “Good Enough” Won
Let’s balance out the theory with some inspiring stories.
1. Google’s Launch Strategy
Google’s products, including Gmail and Android, launched as beta versions. They weren’t perfect—they were functional and allowed room for feedback. If Google had waited for perfection, it might’ve been too late to the game.
2. MVPs in Startups
Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) are all about launching with the basics. Instagram started as a check-in app. Twitter began as a side project. Imagine if they had waited until every feature was polished.
3. YouTube Creators
Most top YouTubers cringe at their early videos. They were awkward, had bad lighting, and used basic editing. But they published anyway. They got better by doing, not by waiting to be perfect.
Why “Good Enough” is Actually Great
“Good enough” isn’t settling—it’s starting. It’s how progress is born. Here’s what happens when you embrace this mindset:
✅ You Build Momentum
Taking action fuels motivation. You make one move, and then another. Over time, small steps add up to big results.
✅ You Learn Faster
Imperfect action creates real-world feedback. You can’t learn to swim by reading—you have to get in the water.
✅ You Save Mental Bandwidth
When you stop obsessing over minor details, your brain is free to focus on what really matters.
✅ You Get Results
Finished beats perfect every time. Progress comes from consistency, not unattainable standards.
How to Let Go of Perfection and Embrace “Good Enough”
Okay, now you’re convinced. But how do you actually let go of the need to be perfect? Here’s a simple framework to help.
🔹 1. Set a Deadline
Give yourself a time limit. Parkinson’s Law says that “work expands to fill the time available.” Set a timer, get it done, and move on.
Example: “I’ll spend no more than 2 hours writing this blog post. After that, I publish it.”
🔹 2. Aim for Version 1.0
Treat everything you do as a first version. You can improve later. Perfection rarely happens on the first try anyway.
Example: “This is version 1.0 of my resume. I’ll send it to five jobs before tweaking again.”
🔹 3. Use the 80/20 Rule
The Pareto Principle tells us 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Focus on the high-impact stuff, not the fine print.
Example: Spending 10 minutes designing your logo is fine. Spending 10 hours is not.
🔹 4. Redefine Success
Instead of “I’ll succeed when it’s perfect,” reframe it to “I’ll succeed when I ship it, learn from it, and grow.”
Progress > perfection.
🔹 5. Create Before You Critique
Separate creating from editing. First, get it out. Then review. Don’t kill the idea before it’s even born.
🔹 6. Accept Imperfection in Others
Notice how forgiving you are of others’ flaws and mistakes? Extend that same grace to yourself. You’re human too.
What You Gain When You Stop Obsessing Over Perfect
Once you break up with perfection, life becomes so much lighter.
✅ More confidence
You start believing in your ability to make progress—imperfectly but steadily.
✅ More output
You finish more projects, build your portfolio, and gain real-world wins.
✅ More learning
You iterate faster and grow from doing, not just planning.
✅ More happiness
Letting go of perfection removes a huge weight from your shoulders. You finally feel free.
When Perfection Does Matter (and How to Tell)
Let’s be honest. Some situations do require a higher standard. If you’re a surgeon or an aircraft engineer, “good enough” might not cut it. But for most of us, perfection isn’t necessary—especially at the start.
So, how do you know when to push for more and when to let go?
Ask Yourself:
- Is this a life-or-death situation?
- Will the difference between good and perfect matter in a month?
- Am I delaying action out of fear?
- Is this my ego talking or my standards?
- Is “perfect” an excuse to avoid feedback or failure?
If the answer to most of these is “yes,” it’s time to ship it and move forward.
Final Thoughts: Done Is Better Than Perfect
Let’s wrap this up with a reminder: Perfection is a myth. Progress is real.
The world doesn’t need your perfect blog post, perfect podcast, perfect art, or perfect plan. It needs your honest, flawed, passionate contributions. It needs your start. And maybe, over time, your start becomes something great.
So stop waiting. Stop tweaking endlessly. Start doing.
Because good enough is not just enough—it’s how greatness begins.
FAQ: Stop Chasing Perfect: Why ‘Good Enough’ is the Real Secret to Progress
On Your Pocket Matters, we know that clarity leads to confidence—so we’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you on your financial journey.
What does “Perfect is the enemy of the good” really mean?
It means that if you keep waiting to get something exactly right, you might never finish it—or even start. Chasing perfection can actually stop you from making progress and getting real results.
Isn’t aiming for perfection a good thing?
It depends. Having high standards is great, but perfectionism can become paralyzing. If it stops you from taking action, finishing tasks, or putting yourself out there, it’s more of a burden than a benefit.
How do I know when something is “good enough”?
Ask yourself: Does it serve the purpose? Will it help someone or move me forward? If the answer is yes, it’s probably good enough to release and improve later. Done is often better than perfect.
Is being a perfectionist the same as being detail-oriented?
Not exactly. Being detail-oriented means you care about quality, but you still get things done. Perfectionism, on the other hand, can lead to endless tweaking and procrastination.
Can letting go of perfectionism really improve my finances?
Yes! Whether it’s starting a budget, investing for the first time, or launching a side hustle—waiting for the “perfect” time or method can delay real progress. Action, even imperfect action, leads to learning and results.
How can I start overcoming perfectionism today?
Try setting deadlines, embracing the 80/20 rule, and treating every project as a first version. Take messy action, learn as you go, and remind yourself that progress > perfection.
What if I mess up by not getting it perfect?
Mistakes are part of the process. Every successful person has failed, pivoted, or adjusted along the way. The real failure is never trying. Take the leap—you’ll figure it out faster than you think.
Why does Your Pocket Matters talk about mindset stuff like this?
Because personal finance isn’t just numbers—it’s behavior. If perfectionism keeps you from budgeting, saving, or starting that side hustle, it’s costing you real money. We talk about mindset because it matters to your pocket.
Abhishek started Your Pocket Matters in 2025 to share his personal experiences with money—both the struggles and the successes. From facing significant losses in trading to turning things around and becoming financially independent, he’s learned valuable lessons along the way. Now, he’s here to help you take control of your finances with honest, practical advice—no scams, no gimmicks, just real strategies to build wealth and achieve financial freedom.
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
- Abhishek Sinhahttps://yourpocketmatters.com/author/abhisheksinha8884gmail-com
This is such a thought-provoking read! I’ve always struggled with perfectionism, and it’s eye-opening to see how it sneaks into so many aspects of life. The idea that perfectionism can be a form of procrastination really hit home—I’ve definitely used it as an excuse to delay starting projects. The examples of Google and Instagram launching imperfectly are inspiring, but it’s still hard to shake the fear of judgment. How do you balance striving for excellence without falling into the perfectionism trap? I’d love to hear your thoughts on practical steps to overcome this mindset. Also, do you think society’s emphasis on perfection is getting worse with social media? It’s such a relatable topic, and I’m curious how others are navigating it!
Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment—your honesty really shines through, and I know so many readers will relate to what you’ve shared.
You’re absolutely right: perfectionism is incredibly sneaky. It wears so many disguises—“I’m just being thorough,” or “I’ll start when it’s ready”—when often, it’s just fear in a well-polished outfit. And yes, that idea that perfectionism = procrastination is such a game-changer. Once I saw it that way, it became easier to call it out and take action anyway.
You mentioned something really powerful—the fear of judgment—and that’s where perfectionism digs in deep. We want things to be flawless so we can avoid criticism or failure. But ironically, waiting until something is “perfect” often robs the world of our ideas, our creativity, and our growth.
🛠️ So how do we balance striving for excellence without getting stuck?
Here are a few things that have worked for me and others I’ve spoken with:
Shift the goal from perfect to progress.
Ask yourself: “What’s the smallest step I can take today that moves me forward?”
Set deadlines for ‘good enough.’
Give yourself permission to launch, post, or submit something at 80%. Most of the time, people won’t notice the 20% we’re stressing over.
Celebrate action over outcome.
Praise yourself for starting or showing up—not just when things are polished.
Remind yourself: you’re not alone.
Everyone feels this. Even the most polished creators online have dozens of messy drafts behind the scenes.
And yes—social media absolutely intensifies this. We’re constantly bombarded with curated snapshots of people’s “best moments,” which can make us feel like anything less than perfect isn’t worth sharing. But the truth is, people are craving authenticity more than ever. The more we show up as our real selves, the more we give others permission to do the same.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts—this kind of conversation is exactly what helps us break down the perfectionism myth, one brave insight at a time. 🙌
I’d love to hear what small step you’re planning to take next—perfection-free, of course! 💬
Let’s dive into this. Perfectionism can really hold us back, can’t it? It’s such a sneaky mindset—making us believe that only flawless work is worth presenting. But isn’t it ironic how aiming for perfection often leads to procrastination or even total inaction? The examples with Google and Instagram are spot on—they prove that launching something imperfectly can still lead to massive success. It’s almost like the fear of failure becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, keeping us stuck in this endless cycle of preparation without execution.
What do you think—have you ever caught yourself delaying a project or idea because it wasn’t “perfect” yet? And how did you overcome that? I’d love to hear your take on this because sometimes it feels like we’re our own worst critics.
Absolutely—thank you for such a thoughtful and relatable comment! You’ve captured the heart of the perfectionism trap perfectly: it convinces us that anything less than flawless isn’t worth sharing, and in doing so, it paralyzes progress. It’s one of those sneaky mindsets that feels responsible, but often just masks fear—especially fear of failure or judgment.
And yes, I’ve definitely been there—more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve delayed blog posts, paused projects, and second-guessed ideas all because I felt they weren’t “ready” yet. The turning point for me came when I realized that done is better than perfect, and that feedback from the real world is more valuable than endless polishing in isolation.
Here’s what helped me break free (or at least manage it better):
Set a launch deadline—even if it’s imperfect.
This gave me permission to ship version 1.0 and improve later, just like Google and Instagram did.
Adopt a ‘progress over perfection’ mindset.
I started asking myself: “What’s the smallest version of this I can put out into the world today?” That question helped me stay in motion.
Reframe failure as feedback.
Every post, project, or idea is just a data point. If it doesn’t land perfectly, it’s not a failure—it’s information.
And you’re absolutely right—we’re often our own worst critics. But the irony is that what we perceive as “not good enough” often resonates deeply with others because it’s real, relatable, and human.
Thanks again for diving in and opening up this conversation. The more we talk about it, the more we chip away at the illusion that perfection is the price of value. I’d love to know—what’s something you’re working on now that you’re ready to release, even if it’s not 100% perfect? 👏