The concept of “done is better than perfect” has become one of the key maxims in modern approaches to work management, productivity, and product development. This phrase, popularized by Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, forms the foundation of the operating philosophy of many successful organizations. Although it might intuitively sound like an encouragement to lower standards, in reality, it carries deeper wisdom, confirmed by numerous scientific studies. This article presents the theoretical and practical aspects of this concept, based on international research and publications.
Theoretical Foundations of the Concept
Perfectionism as a Barrier to Productivity
Research published in Harvard Business Review suggests that productivity is not about completing more tasks but about accomplishing those that matter most. Perfectionism, although often perceived as striving for excellence, can hinder efficiency and become a form of self-sabotage.
According to research from MIT Sloan School of Management, measuring productivity in work hours instead of specific outcomes is an outdated approach. Robert Pozen, a lecturer at MIT Sloan and former president of Fidelity Investments, emphasizes: “Hours are not a good indicator of what we produce. I asked journalists: ‘Have you ever spent three weeks on an article that wasn’t good? And did you spend three days on one that was really great? What was a more productive use of your time?'”.
The Two Faces of Perfectionism
French researchers make a significant distinction between healthy and pathological perfectionism. Healthy (or adaptive) perfectionism involves the desire for excellence that motivates goal achievement and is associated with conscientiousness, flexibility, and acceptance of one’s limitations. In contrast, pathological (or maladaptive) perfectionism is characterized by setting unrealistic standards, rigid thinking, and an intolerance for mistakes.
Research published in “Behavioral Sciences” in 2024 indicates that organizationally prescribed perfectionism (OPP) can lead to increased job insecurity and counterproductive work behaviors (CWB). This suggests that organizational cultures promoting excessive perfectionism may yield results contrary to expectations.
The Link Between Perfectionism and Procrastination
Recent research from February 2025, published by the International Association of Applied Psychology, analyzes why perfectionists procrastinate. Researchers identify two dimensions of perfectionism: perfectionist strivings and perfectionist concerns. These two dimensions can coexist at varying intensities, creating four different perfectionist profiles, each responding differently to pressure and influencing procrastination tendencies.
Practical Implications of the “Done is Better Than Perfect” Concept
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
In the world of startups and entrepreneurship, the concept of “done is better than perfect” is reflected in the Lean Startup methodology and the idea of a minimum viable product (MVP). According to Spanish sources, MVP allows startups to quickly and affordably develop a product with which they can test their business model. Instead of striving for the perfect product immediately, companies create a basic version that allows them to:
- Quickly enter the market
- Collect feedback from users
- Iteratively improve the product
- Minimize initial risks and costs
As Lucas Lopatin, entrepreneur and founder of Indie Build, puts it: “The search for perfection can become a trap that prevents us from making progress.” When we wait for everything to be perfect before taking action, we waste precious time and delay the development of our projects.
Seven Reasons Why “Done” is Better Than “Perfect”
Lee Broders on LinkedIn presents seven key arguments in favor of adopting this philosophy:
- Done brings results – results are achieved only when something is actually done
- The pursuit of perfection causes action paralysis – perfectionism can make us feel blocked
- Errors can be fixed – nothing is permanent, imperfections can always be improved
- We save time – perfectionism is time-consuming
- We increase productivity – you can’t be both a perfectionist and productive
- We gain emotional stability – perfectionism disrupts mental balance
- We become more realistic – achieving perfection in tasks is unrealistic
Psychological Aspects of Abandoning Perfectionism
French psychologists from Clinique de psychologie Berri emphasize that perfectionism often stems from deeply ingrained beliefs: “If I am perfect, I will avoid mistakes and bad decisions. If I make mistakes, it will mean to me and others that I am incompetent. My personal value depends on my performance.” These beliefs lead to excessive self-criticism and fear of failure.
Elizabeth Gilbert, quoted in the source, aptly captures the problem: “Perfectionism is fear dressed in nice shoes and a beautiful coat.” Calling oneself a perfectionist is admitting that we fear the opinions of others.
Practical Examples of Applying the “Done is Better Than Perfect” Concept
Example 1: Keeping a Business Journal
One entrepreneur describes how keeping a weekly business journal since 2018 has been the best thing they’ve done for their business. Instead of aiming for perfectly structured notes, they simply documented their decisions, plans, and reflections regularly. These imperfect but consistent records allowed them to:
- Track their business journey over the years
- Identify recurring mistakes
- Spot patterns in decision-making
- Learn from past experiences
Example 2: Product Development in a Tech Company
Facebook, under Sheryl Sandberg’s leadership, embraced the “done is better than perfect” maxim as part of its corporate philosophy. This approach allowed the company to:
- Quickly introduce new features and products
- Test solutions directly on the market
- Iteratively improve functionality based on user feedback
- Outpace the competition through speed of execution
Example 3: Making the Bed as a Metaphor
An interesting everyday example is provided in the source, where the author describes how changing the approach to making the bed illustrates the broader issue of perfectionism. Instead of abandoning the task because they couldn’t do it “perfectly” (removing everything from the bed and neatly arranging each item), they began simply arranging the pillows and smoothing the duvet. The result? The bed is made every day instead of never, which is a significant improvement, even though it’s not “perfectly” done.
Example 4: Academic Writing and Publications
Sarah Dobson, an academic writing specialist, notes that many scholars struggle with perfectionism. Instead of publishing their work, they keep refining it, fearing criticism. Dobson suggests the 80/20 approach – it’s better to publish three articles, each at 80% satisfaction level for the author, than one “perfect” one. Long-term, this approach leads to a greater academic output and a larger impact on the field.
Implementing the “Done is Better Than Perfect” Approach in Organizational Culture
The French publication “Revue Française de Gestion” emphasizes that structure and hierarchy in business culture can influence perfectionistic tendencies in organizations. In hierarchical structures, typical of French business culture, employees may feel obliged to deliver “perfect” results, which can lead to decision paralysis and reduced productivity.
To effectively implement the “done is better than perfect” approach in organizational culture, researchers and practitioners suggest:
- Setting clear priorities – Robert Pozen from MIT Sloan recommends ranking goals for the upcoming week and year
- Focusing on results, not hours worked – measuring productivity by achieved outcomes, not time spent on tasks
- Promoting a culture of learning from mistakes – where imperfections are seen as opportunities for growth
- Implementing appropriate work and rest cycles – DeskTime research shows the optimal work-to-break ratio (previously 52 minutes of work and 17 minutes of break, now 112 minutes of work and 26 minutes of break)
Conclusions
The concept of “done is better than perfect” is not an encouragement to lower standards or accept mediocrity. It is rather a strategic approach to managing resources (time, energy, motivation) that acknowledges the reality of creative and business processes: perfection is never achievable, and excessive striving for it can paradoxically reduce the quality of our work through procrastination, stress, and decision paralysis.
Studies from different disciplines and cultures (American, French, and Spanish) confirm that a balanced approach to excellence – one that values progress over perfection – leads to better long-term results for both individuals and organizations.
As one author aptly summarizes: “Perfectionism comes at a high price.” It can be the most harmful thing we do to ourselves, leading us back to our comfort zone where everything becomes routine rather than demanding and satisfying. Embracing the “done is better than perfect” philosophy may be the key to unlocking our potential and achieving true productivity – the kind that delivers results, not just the illusion of perfection.
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