Progress Over Perfection: The Real Key to Growth 🌱

“Perfection is the enemy of Progress” : Winston Churchill

Have you ever hesitated to start something new because it wasn’t perfect yet? Maybe it was a speech you kept revising, a post you never shared, or a goal you delayed until “the right time.” The truth is — perfection is an illusion, but progress is real. Every small step forward counts more than waiting for a flawless beginning.

For a long time, I believed that perfection was the key to success. I thought every plan had to be completely ready before I could take the first step. But over time, life and experience showed me that chasing perfection often leads to inaction. We lose valuable opportunities simply because we wait too long to start.

The Myth of Perfection

I always used to think that if something wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t worth doing. I would plan, rethink, and analyze every little detail before taking any action. But soon I realized that by waiting for the “perfect moment,” most of my ideas ended up in the garbage — not because they weren’t good, but because I never acted on them.

Perfection sounds admirable, but it can quietly stop progress. It makes us overthink, fear mistakes, and stay stuck. Once I recognized that, I decided to replace my pursuit of perfection with a new goal — consistent progress.

When Progress Took the Lead

One of the first breakthroughs came through an adventure I had always dreamed of — snorkeling. I had wanted to swim in the open blue ocean for years but kept telling myself that I’d go only after perfecting my swimming skills. That “someday” never came — until my daughter insisted I join her, promising that a safety jacket would keep me afloat.

I finally gave in, and to my surprise, it was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life! Floating among colorful fish and feeling the rhythm of the ocean was pure magic. I later wondered — why did I wait so long? That day taught me that joy lies in doing, not in waiting for perfection.

A similar lesson came at Ski Dubai. My husband suggested we take skiing lessons, and my first thought was, “What if I fall? What if I can’t balance?” The fear of looking imperfect almost stopped me from trying. But I pushed through, and once again, it turned out to be an amazing experience. The instructor even praised my balance! That moment reminded me that taking action — even imperfectly — always leads to growth.

Perfection is overrated. Progress, however, is powerful. Each step, each attempt, and each lesson moves us closer to our goals. Whether it’s in work or life, it’s not about getting everything right — it’s about showing up and growing through the process.

So, the next time you hesitate to start something, remember this: Done is better than perfect. Take the leap, learn as you go, and celebrate your progress — because that’s where real success begins.

“Done is better than Perfect.” : Sheryl Sandberg