“Imperfect Action Beats Perfect Inaction!”

— Your humble Blogmeister

If I said this once, I’ve said it 10,000 times.
And that’s just to myself.

For more than 10 years, I have been sharing in seminars, on teleconferences, during meetings and with my clients my mantra…

“Imperfect Action Beats Perfect Inaction!”

The science of Axiology (human value) gives us a tool to measure how much attention we pay to perfection. More than 75% of us put too much emphasis on becoming perfect. As a culture, we are addicted to the idea of perfecting ourselves.

In my essay, “The Paradox of Perfection” I discuss the yin and yang of our compulsive drive for perfection.

On the one hand, it’s a powerful source of motivation, providing the drive and persistence to stay on course through the ups and downs of life.

On the other hand, striving for perfection can become compulsive and obsessive, a zero sum game with only two outcomes:

Perfect or imperfect!

In the world of perfect, there is no almost perfect.

Striving for perfection is one of life’s ultimate win/lose games.

The relentless pursuit of perfection may work as a slogan for a car, but it’s a devious and devilish gremlin who wreaks havoc in our lives. Perfection paralyzes. We can tweak things to death.

I ask myself:

How often have you missed a train waiting to perfect your platform skills?

What holds you back from getting in the game and stepping on the field?

Why are you hesitant to get in the batters box and take a swing?

Another quality of perfection; its unforgiving. There is no 99% perfect. In the perfect world, everything is perfect… or, imperfect.

In the real world, NOTHING IS PERFECT!
Everything is imperfect.

However, ANY THING in the real world is more valuable than EVERYTHING in the idea world! Let me say this again…

ANY THING in the real world is more valuable
than EVERYTHING in the idea world!

How can it be?

Because perfect is a concept, an idea, not a real world standard. And the real world has greater value than the “ideal” world. Axiology, the science of value, proves it. Extrinsic (real world) value is greater in value than systemic (concept world) value.

It’s in the two-dimensional concept world of principles, ideals, mission, purpose, vision, goals, beliefs, and what are commonly called “values” (mind constructs) that we hold things as black or white, agree or disagree, legal or illegal, good or bad, right or wrong, perfect or imperfect.

In the real world, nothing is perfect, certain, nor absolute (black or white). In the tangible and concrete world, a multitude of possibilities exist beyond black or white.

Embrace New Game Thinking:

Imperfect Action Beats Perfect Inaction!

Know when to stop getting ready to get ready.

Today, do something to move one step farther down the path.

Don’t wait until everything is perfect. It may never be.

Take imperfect action. Then measure and modify as you go.

Get in the game. Step up to the plate. Take your swings.

Take imperfect action. You’ll be glad you did.

Imperfectly yours,

Mitch Axelrod, CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer ™)
“Imperfect Action Beats Perfect Inaction”