Letting go of “Perfect” helps your business grow stronger and stay relevant.
Many entrepreneurs get trapped by the idea of perfection. They become so locked into making every detail flawless that they lose sight of what truly matters: progress and results. Perfectionism creates a false sense of security. It’s a comforting illusion that if everything is perfect, success will naturally follow. But here’s the truth: perfection is a mirage, an unattainable standard that distracts you from taking action.
The problem with striving for perfection, especially in business, is that it stalls progress. You might feel like you’re moving forward, but without action, you’re merely spinning in place. Consider this: countless businesses that aim for perfect conditions, perfect products, and perfect launches often miss their opportunities or exhaust their resources. These businesses fall into stagnation as they march toward unrealistic standards, possibly this need to perfect everything comes from the undeniable need for control most business owners have, in the early days they have to do everything as it is only them, as they grow they hold onto this deep seated need to make sure everything is done perfectly, after all we grew up hearing, if you want a job done right then you need to do it yourself.
The massive issue this creates is often not apparent until the owner is ready to retire or sell up and this constant need to be at the centre of everything to be in control and perfect everything makes the business an unsaleable asset, no one wants to pay you to take your job. This is why the vast majority of businesses are sold for a £1, and the lucky few that get some money get way below the market value. Why? Because the market doesn’t want perfection; it wants a machine that works without any particular individual.
This pursuit of perfection can be particularly damaging for those of you who view their business as their pension. These are the people who invest time and money into refining operations or products endlessly, hoping to maximise their eventual retirement asset. But without recognising the importance of adaptability and growth, they risk building a fragile entity that’s unable to withstand the test of market changes or attract prospective buyers. Investors and buyers crave businesses with proven track records, ones that work irrespective of who owns it ones that can demonstrate flexibility and evolution, not just polished presentations.
I often talk about the importance of focused action. It’s about moving forward even when conditions aren’t ideal. You learn far more from engaging with the market and acting on feedback than waiting for the perfect launch moment that might never arrive. This action-oriented mindset is crucial for resilience in business. When you act, you adjust; when you adjust, you grow. It’s this cycle of action and adaptation that breeds success and longevity and ultimately growth to the point the founder is no longer essential to the day to day operations, meaning you really do have a saleable asset.
Entrepreneurs must embrace the idea that done is often better than perfect. It is said that businesses thrive when they foster a culture of progress rather than perfection. This approach empowers teams to make mistakes, learn rapidly, and innovate faster than those caught up in the pursuit of flawlessness. When you release that need for perfection, you open the door to greater creativity and collaboration.
In essence, those who cling to perfection are often trading their growth and, ultimately, their future for a fleeting sense of control over minutiae. They’re preparing their business for failure by ignoring the crucial practice of learning from real-world engagement. Remember, your business isn’t just a project; it’s a living, breathing endeavour that grows through action and results, not through endless refinement.
So, if your goal is to have your business serve as a sustainable income stream into your retirement, focus on building an entity that’s robust, adaptable, and ready to embrace the imperfections of the market. The key is progress. Progress fuels innovation, instils confidence, and above all, ensures that your business’s value grows with you, rather than against you.
Take action today, embrace the lessons learned from imperfection, and watch as your business not only becomes a success story but also a viable, sustainable legacy for your future.
By Andy Walter
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