The adage “Done is better than perfect” has significant weight. Although it appears straightforward at first, it’s a never-ending struggle for many of us. This particular blog article demonstrates that! Ideas were easy to come up with, but writing them down? Not in that way.
Many people have long struggled with this internal conflict between doing tasks efficiently and striving for excellence. Fundamentally, perfectionism is a kind of self-criticism that may be very restrictive, particularly regarding artistic endeavors. How often have you been convinced that a sentence isn’t good enough and become trapped trying to improve it? It’s a trap; sometimes, the best writing comes from having to write the “bad” things first.
This is when the “just do it” idea enters the picture. It’s about overcoming your first reluctance and expressing your ideas, no matter how disorganized or lacking they may be. Consider it a first draft; it only has to be completed and doesn’t need to be flawless.
From Messy Draft to Finished Product: The Editing Process
Congratulations! You’ve overcome your need for perfection and can now generate ideas. And now the paper (or computer) is staring back at you with an untidy draft. What comes next? This is when editing’s magic becomes useful.
Editing is similar to molding a lump of clay into an exquisite masterpiece. You may improve your writing, tighten your phrases, and ensure your point is understood clearly via editing. But editing has its difficulties, just like any other creative endeavor. When should you quit editing and declare your work “finished”?
The not-so-hidden secret is that the editing world has no magical “done” button. You could probably edit your work indefinitely, always reworking a sentence or looking for the ideal word. However, the reality is that you must eventually draw a line in the sand, particularly if you want to share your work with the world.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on editing completely! The following advice will help you through the editing process:
1. Take a Step Back:
Giving yourself some space after investing your energy and passion into the first draft is important. Put the task away for a few days or weeks to obtain new insight. It will be easier for you to see places for improvement that you might have overlooked when writing when you return to it with a clear head.
2. Level Up Your Editing:
There are several phases of editing, each with a distinct purpose. Here’s a summary to get you going:
- Self-Editing (Overall): In this first step, you will examine the general organization and flow of your work. Does your argument make sense as it goes along? Are changes seamless? Do any areas need to be added or removed?
- Sentence-by-sentence editing: Sentence structure, word choice, and clarity are the main points of emphasis here. Are you using clear, powerful sentences? Is it possible to use more robust terms with weak verbs or overused ones? Is it simple to grasp what you’re saying?
- Micro-level proofreading: Finding those annoying typos, grammatical mistakes, and formatting irregularities is the main goal of this last step.
3. Know When to Stop:
A fruitful editing session might easily cross into the dreaded “infinite editing loop.” The following indicate when it’s time to end the day:
- Several Edits Have Not Produced Notable Advancements: It’s usually time to give up if you’ve been editing for hours and the changes are getting progressively smaller.
- Your Focus Is Diminishing on the Big Picture: Focusing too much on little details might overshadow your work’s main point. Make sure the changes you make genuinely strengthen your main point.
- You Can See With New Eyes: Seeking input from dependable editors or beta readers may yield priceless insights and point out any areas that still require improvement.
Recall that editing is a process rather than a final goal. Accept the process, gain knowledge from each iteration, and have faith in your ability to determine when your product is prepared for public consumption.
Don’t Let Your Song Remain Unsung
Imagine a world where the creators of every brilliant song, inventive innovation, and gripping tale kept them all hidden because they never thought they were good enough. Perfectionism may be dangerous in that way.
The poem “The Voiceless” by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. comes to mind. The poem describes those who keep their singing within them and never allow it to be heard. Make sure that’s not you. There will always be space for development and progress, but don’t allow the quest for excellence to mute your voice.
The following are some things to remember:
- Accept the Untidy First Draft: Don’t allow the fear of making mistakes to deter you from the beginning. Even if your ideas aren’t flawless, get them out there.
- Revision is Your Ally: Make use of editing to polish and enhance your work, but take care not to be sucked into a never-ending cycle of revision.
- Progress Rather Than Perfection: Prioritize progress over perfection. Even if your work is not your greatest, every project completed is a step in the right direction.
- Speak Up: Don’t be afraid to publish your work, even if it’s not flawless. The world needs your distinct viewpoint.
Never forget that “done is better than perfect.” Proceed, compose, and, most of all, spread the word about your music.
Conclusion
“Done is better than perfect” breaks the hold that perfectionism has on creativity. This piece is a perfect example of the struggle—it was easy to brainstorm but difficult to write. While striving for perfection is natural, progress is best made by “just doing it.” Even if your thoughts are rough, let them flow. Drafts are improved by editing, but understanding when to quit is crucial. At the same time, timely completion allows your voice to be heard, and overediting confines you. Accept imperfections and embrace imperfection—progress is more important. Don’t allow fear to stop you from speaking; the world needs your voice. Perfect is an illusion; imperfection has an effect. The world awaits your work.