Daily Inspiration 7-9-11

"Striving for excellence motivates you;

striving for perfection is demoralizing."

-- Harriet Braiker

I absolutely love this quote because it is exactly how I feel and have felt for a long time. I strive for excellence with a CANI (Constant And Never-ending Improvement) attitude, but I could care less about perfection. In fact, I don't see that as the least bit valuable and even impossible to achieve, so is a waste of energy based on that alone.

I've worked with people and seen people who were looking for perfection and what I noticed is that they didn't do much in comparison with what they could do if they let go of the need for perfection. I think it is far better to get going and improve all the while rather than wait for circumstances, skill levels and other things to fall into place first.

I say that to clients all the time: let's get going and we will work through it and improve as we go. We do a lot of video now in our business and many clients are afraid they aren't _________ enough. The truth is that they are all _________ enough when they just relax and be willing to make mistakes, take retakes, try again. As I coax them, most relent and the videos come out just fine. In fact, I think they are better videos than if it were polished and professional. They are certainly more watchable and real. And, I find that the next time we get together to do a video, they are more relaxed and even better, so we improve as we go, but we get going from where we are at the moment.

Our willingness to put out our first websites such as they were with all their now apparent flaws and lacks, is what has moved us to the point that we now have the confidence to handle any client regardless of size or stature. It was only constant improvement that got us there and we will never stop that because we know where we've been.

We have a few clients who are very slow to make decisions because they are trying so hard for it to be perfect. Our advice is always to do the best you can today, but to do it. Then, as ideas or changes come into your mind, we will improve your site. In the meantime, you've got a site that can be of some value and help your business.

Is there something you've been waiting to get done? Let's get started and the rest will come in due time.

Starting Before You're Ready Is A Great Strategy.

Spread Some Joy Today--Encouraging someone is one of the finest and most helpful things we can do for each other.