I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
Perfection paralysis is a condition that keeps many leaders from obtaining their best results. You may know someone, or it may be you, who is guilty of making sure everything is perfectly in place before taking the first step to implement a goal.
When Napoleon Hill interviewed Andrew Carnegie, he captured the quote from Carnegie, “Any idea that is held in the mind and is emphasized, that is either feared or revered, will begin at once to clothe itself in the most appropriate physical form available.” Hill discovered that the most successful Americans that Carnegie introduced him to had many things in common, but one key factor stands out: they all set specific goals and began to move toward the goal, without having to figure out all the details.
Foundation is about clarity in your vision and specificity in your goals. It does not, however, mean that you must plan until you run out of energy and time to implement your goal. Define the goal, and then begin at once to move toward completion of that goal.
TIP: Consider perfection to be the enemy of good. Perfection might just keep you from ever achieving your goal. Is it worth it?
Hugh Ballou The Transformational Leadership Strategist
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