Someone once told me “You can never satisfy someone obsessed with perfection, so prioritise execution over perfection. Done and moving forward is always better than perfect and stuck, because taking action is what actually creates momentum.”

For a long time, I believed that perfection was the ultimate goal—whether at work or navigating the daily rhythm. However, striving for flawless results often comes at a steep price: overthinking, hesitation, and standing still. Eventually, I realised how stressful it is to keep thinking about getting perfect at something without actually doing it. Execution is what gets you close to the results, not just thinking about them.

At work, it is easy to fall into the trap of endless analysis—polishing a deck one more time, tweaking frameworks, or waiting for every single data point at hand before getting started. I realised that an 80% solution deployed today delivers real-world feedback, while a 100% ideal draft sitting in a folder accomplishes nothing. Prioritising execution allows me to test, adapt, and build real momentum instead of getting bogged down in endless refinement.

Even while writing, the inner critic is always the loudest voice. It is tempting to edit a single paragraph forever or wait for the “perfect” moment before publishing. Putting work out into the world—even when it feels slightly raw—opens up ways to improve.

In parenting, perfection is a myth. Trying to maintain a flawless routine with a toddler or waiting for ideal conditions to start a new healthy habit only leads to frustration. Parenting is so unpredictable that if one day goes well, you are scared the next won’t be the same. There are days when my toddler is a totally different person—no crying, all lovey-dovey, and helpful—and the next day is just pure survival. It’s not his fault either; he is learning, and so am I. Accepting that progress is messy allows me to focus on showing up consistently—whether that’s a simple home-cooked meal, spending intentional time with my child, or even writing 2–3 lines of a blog.

Sitting idle and waiting for the perfect moment never works—that ideal opportunity only reveals itself after you start moving. Reaching the goals you truly want requires taking multiple steps forward, learning along the way, and creating momentum.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear some different perspectives!