This resonates with our own struggles in decision-making, particularly the paralysis that comes with seeking perfection. We all aspire for perfection, but the pursuit of perfection can often hinder progress. Instead of moving forward, we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of indecision, watching opportunities wither and fall like the figs on the tree.
Perfectionism can manifest in many forms, from writer's block to analysis paralysis. We want our projects to be perfect, so we spend more time pondering how to start than actually starting. The fear of failure looms large, as perfectionism dictates that if you’re not producing perfection, then you have failed. This binary thinking can be paralyzing, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction and unproductivity. This concept was discussed in a recent podcast
episode of Hidden Brain, "How to Break out of a Rut" featuring Adam Alter, is a New York University professor and the bestselling author of books on behavioral science and addiction.
To break free from this cycle, we can learn from the concept of "pouring out the bad material," as described by Jeff Tweedy, frontman of the band Wilco.
“Imagine that all your ideas are essentially liquids sitting one on top of the other, the obvious stuff is stuff that's not particularly novel or interesting, and that's the stuff that sits at the top of your head.”, says Alter.
You’ve got to pour out the bad stuff.
“Imagine that all your ideas are essentially liquids sitting one on top of the other,
the obvious stuff is stuff that's not particularly novel or interesting,
and that's the stuff that sits at the top of your head.”
By getting the "bad stuff" out of the way, we create space for the good stuff to emerge.
This approach shifts the focus from achieving perfection to making progress, no matter how small or uncertain the first step may be.
As Plath writes, "I don't know what I ate, but I felt immensely better after the first mouthful. It occurred to me that my vision of the fig tree and all the fat figs that withered and fell to earth might well have arisen from the profound void of an empty stomach."
Taking that first step, can lead to a profound change in mindset. It reminds us that progress is not always about knowing exactly where we're going, but rather about being willing to explore and discover along the way.
At Innova Technologies, we strive to cultivate a culture that embraces imperfection as a steppingstone to progress. We understand that the fear of failure and the pursuit of perfection can hinder innovation and growth. That's why we encourage our team members to share their ideas freely, without the fear of judgment.
By embracing imperfection and fostering a culture of progress, we empower our team to overcome the paralysis of perfectionism and unlock their full potential. Together, we can achieve great things, one imperfect step at a time.
Carlos Banchik, P.E.
President