Perfectionism

We tend to hold back good ideas in our quest to be perfect. Why don't we allow these ideas to see the light? Are we worried about how others will perceive us?

Three years ago, I had the idea to add a new function to the Google Maps application. I sought to recommend stops on long trips using mileage data entered by users before they began their travel. I didn't further pursue this idea because I felt that I lacked the skill to create Android applications. Shelving the app meant that I would take no further action. I did not attempt to gain the skills needed or hire someone to complete the task.

Since then, I have had several other new ideas that I discarded at earlier stages. These ideas ranged from watch designs to charging systems to other application ideas. Instead of refining the product, I now pivoted to the fact that I didn't have the skill myself and moved on. Without a clear picture of what the idea entailed, I did not know what the necessary skills were at the time.

The problem is that I wanted the end product to be perfect. I felt this way without ever considering what it took for my idea to become a reality. This feeling also ended my attempt at being innovative, stopping me before I could creatively solve my problem. Taking the time to break my problems down into manageable sections would have shown me that I had most of the needed abilities. In retrospect, I only needed to reach out to a friend with skills that complement mine.

From these experiences, I have learned how important it is to take some time to reevaluate the difficulties that we face. When we move too fast, the options around us start to blur. Slowing down allows us to attempt to see the problem before we try to remedy it. Often, we can solve our problems with a slight adjustment instead of starting over.