Taking Action in Your Creative Practice
Welcome to the eighth principle in our summer series on creative thinking: “Done is better than perfect. Action, my friend.” This phrase, attributed to Sheryl Sandberg, serves as a powerful reminder that waiting for perfection is a trap. Perfection is an illusion; it’s like chasing a mirage in the desert—you’ll never reach it. So, why let the pursuit of perfection hold you back from taking action?
The Problem with Perfection
Let’s be honest: perfection is not only impossible, but it’s also subjective. What seems perfect to one person may not be to another. If you’re a perfectionist, you’ll always find something to tweak, something to improve. But here’s the thing: you’ll never finish anything if you’re always tweaking. And if you’re not a perfectionist—great! Who cares if it’s not flawless?
Done is better than perfect because it moves you forward.
Think about it: Cars, airplanes, and smartphones are always being released with “new and improved” versions. Why? Because the creators didn’t wait until they had a perfect product. They released it, let people use it, learned from the feedback, and then made improvements. You can do the same with your creative projects. The only way to improve is to put your work out there, use it, live with it, and learn what you’d like to change. This applies to everything in life, from fitness to finance—and certainly to creativity.
My Journey of Imperfection
I’ve been there. A few years ago, I didn’t know how to set up a functioning art website, run a blog, or launch a Patreon membership. Guess what? Now I have all those things. A year ago, I had no clue how to use Adobe Illustrator to create surface pattern designs, build a digital course, or develop a membership site. Now, I do.
Are any of them perfect? Not in my eyes. But that’s not the point.
The point is that my journey is my journey. These things will never become splendid, beautiful, or brilliant if I don’t start. If I wait until I can do everything perfectly, they will remain splendidly non-existent! And I’m not aiming for non-existence here; I’m aiming for action. The same goes for your creative dreams.
Start from Where You Are
Not one single black belt karate master started out that way. No prima ballerina was born en-pointe. Everyone starts from the beginning—a “standing start,” if you will. You didn’t learn to walk without falling a few times. We learn by doing, and yes, by failing sometimes. But every step, stumble, and fall is part of the process.
Think about your creative practice. Are you waiting for the perfect moment to begin that painting series, launch that pattern design, or share your art online? Stop waiting! If you keep holding out for the right time or when you think you’ll know exactly what to do, you’ll end up doing nothing. And “doing nothing” doesn’t get you closer to your goals.
The Courage to Be Imperfect
I’m willing to learn from my imperfections. I’m willing to fail spectacularly. I’m willing to admit I’m not perfect and never will be. But that’s okay because I know that with every imperfect attempt, I’m learning, growing, and getting better by doing.
Author Jon Acuff put it perfectly: “You gotta be brave enough to be bad at something new.” That’s it. You must be willing to be bad at something to get better at it. For now, do the best you can with what you know and start. Perfection can wait; action cannot.
How to Apply This to Your Creative Practice
Here’s a little exercise to help you apply this principle:
- Identify What You’re Avoiding: Are there creative projects you’re avoiding because you’re afraid they won’t be perfect? Make a list of those things.
- Break Them Down: Brainstorm a few small, manageable steps you can take toward getting one of those projects done. Pretend no one is looking—just focus on the action.
- Take Action: Choose one step and take it. It could be as simple as sketching for five minutes, sewing one seam, or writing the first paragraph of a new article.
- Celebrate the Imperfection: When you finish that step, celebrate! Check it off your list. Relish the sense of accomplishment, even if it’s imperfect. Remember, it’s done, and that’s better than perfect.
- Learn and Adjust: Once it’s done, live with it. Watch it. Learn from it. Adjust it later if needed. Let it live in its imperfection.
Action Over Perfection
Perfection can be a sneaky little saboteur that keeps you from ever really achieving your creative dreams. But if you embrace the idea that “Done is better than perfect,” you’ll find yourself moving forward, growing, and creating more than you ever imagined.
So, what are you waiting for? Get something on your list DONE. Mark it off! Celebrate your progress and keep moving. Remember, The Creative Space at Virginia Leigh Studio is here to support you in taking those imperfect steps toward your creative goals. Start now, learn as you go, and let the magic unfold.
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