Done > Perfect
Key ideas
Skill summary
Three quick reminders before you start.
Overview
Perfectionism can sometimes feel like a heavy weight that stops you from even starting. This technique focuses on the idea that finishing a task is more important than making it flawless. Instead of trying to reach an impossible standard, you learn to set clear boundaries and value completion. This helps you move past the feeling of being stuck so you can actually get things done.
How Your Brain Works
Your brain uses two main parts to manage your feelings and your ability to think clearly.
The Guard Dog
The alarm system. Reacts to stress with fight-or-flight responses.
The Wise Owl
Logic and calm decision-making, best accessed when the alarm quiets down.
The Guard Dog Sounds the Alarm
Your brain has a built-in security system called the Guard Dog (Amygdala). Its job is to protect you from danger. When you feel like you have to be perfect, the Guard Dog sees any tiny mistake as a huge threat. It starts barking, which sends stress through your body and makes you feel shaky or frozen. This is why it is so hard to start a project when you are worried about it being perfect. It is just your Guard Dog trying to keep you safe from the 'danger' of being judged.
The Wise Owl Loses Control
The Wise Owl (Prefrontal Cortex) is the part of your brain that handles logic, planning, and focus. Usually, the Wise Owl helps you make smart choices and stay organized. But when the Guard Dog is barking loudly because of perfectionism, the Wise Owl gets overwhelmed and cannot do its job. You might find yourself stuck in a loop of overthinking or just avoiding the task altogether because the Guard Dog has taken over your brain's steering wheel.
Training the Brain to Finish
Using the 'Done > Perfect' technique helps the Wise Owl get back in the driver's seat. By setting a 'good enough' goal, you are telling the Guard Dog that there is no emergency.
- It lowers your stress and cortisol levels.
- It allows the Wise Owl to focus on small, manageable steps.
- It helps you feel a sense of achievement when you finish.
- It creates a positive cycle where your brain starts to associate finishing with feeling good.
Every time you complete a task, your brain releases a bit of dopamine, making it easier to start the next project without the Guard Dog getting upset.
How to Use This Skill
You can use this skill to help your Wise Owl take back control from the Guard Dog whenever a task feels too big.
Choose a 'Good Enough' Standard
If you are writing a story, decide that finishing one full page is 'good enough' for today.
Focus on the Action
Write your page without looking back or fixing any spelling mistakes until you are finished.
Stop When You Hit the Goal
Once you hit one page, close the book and walk away, even if you think you could do more.
Real-Life Example
The Classroom Presentation
The Big Deadline
A student has to give a talk in class tomorrow and feels like they need to memorize every single word.
The Guard Dog Thought
If I mess up one word, everyone will laugh and I will fail the whole class.
Using Done > Perfect
- The student notices the Guard Dog is barking and causing them to procrastinate.
- They decide 'good enough' is having three clear points and practicing out loud only twice.
- They focus on just getting through those two practice rounds.
- When they finish the second round, they put their notes away and go for a walk.
The student gives the talk, feels the Wise Owl's calm relief, and realizes the Guard Dog was wrong about the danger.
Practice Tips
Here are a few ways to make this technique work even better in your daily life.
- Self-Compassion Breaks
Remind yourself that doing your best is about effort, not being a robot who never makes mistakes.
- The Done List
Keep a log of everything you finished today to show your brain that you are making progress.
- Set a Timer
Give yourself a 30-minute window to work. When the timer goes off, the job is done for now.
Pro Tip
Why It Works
This technique helps you manage stress and keeps you moving toward your goals.
This skill helps because:
- Lowers Stress
It stops the brain's alarm system from constantly firing when you work.
- Builds Momentum
Finishing small things helps you feel more confident to take on bigger tasks.
- Saves Energy
By not overthinking every detail, you have more mental energy for things you actually enjoy.
References
Research-based evidence supporting this skill
- This technique is based on cognitive behavioural principles that help people change how they think about success and failure.
- Bernaskis, L. (2024). Transform Your Life: Break Free from Repeating Mistakes. Lemon8.
- Scholastica. (n.d.). 30196.pdf. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology Research.
- Noriega, A. (2023). Struggling with Perfectionism: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Lemon8.