14: How to Build Your Business and Push Past Perfectionism - Perfection is the Enemy of Progress

Makers Gonna Sell: A Podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs with Cheryl Ham and Nicky Avery

This week we’re talking about something I’m sure we’ve all felt at one time or another. You’ve started your own business, you have a great idea or craft that you’re ready to share with the world, but then the details on how to share or get your idea out there paralyze you. We want our content to be perfect and compare ourselves against other entrepreneurs who have been at it for a while, not realizing that nobody thinks their content is perfect, at least not the first time!

The truth is, we don’t know what we don’t know, and sometimes the only way we’re going to figure things out is by putting ourselves out there, imperfections and all. We can’t let our fears hold us back from even getting started! Sure, you might find that not everything works the way you wanted it, but it takes that trial and error that helps you refine your vision and create that community that is going to carry you forward into the future.

“Done is better than perfect. As you do tasks more and more, you’ll build the skill sets you need, and one day you’ll realize you’ve gotten good at it all, and now you can focus on leveling up a little bit more. But if you’re just trying to come out the gate perfect at something, I’m not going to say you’re not going to get it done, but you’re just going to make it super hard.” – Nicky

“If you spend so much time on making something perfect, just to find out it’s not going to work, that can be disappointing and very frustrating. Sometimes we need to do the thing, put it out and see if it works, and if it doesn’t, then we can pivot and change it. But if you’ve put months of work into something trying to make it perfect and become emotionally tied to it, then it can be very difficult to make those changes.” – Cheryl

“I really feel the first step is just making that decision, I’m going to do this and I’m not going to let anything hold me back. I’m not going to let what I think I lack hold me back, and I’m just going to do it.” – Nicky

“I challenge you this week to create something and put it out into the world before you feel ready. Even though it might not be perfect, create and release it. Don’t just keep it to yourself.” - Cheryl

Key Points and takeaways:

- Don’t let a need for perfection be the enemy of your progress

- Your audience and community values your content and ideas, so just get it out there

- The only way you’re going to improve is by doing the thing and putting yourself out there

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