Bars Quote by Seth Godin
““If you set your bar at ‘amazing’ it’s awfully difficult to start. Your first paragraph, sketch, formula, sample or concept isn’t going to be amazing. Your tenth one might not be either. Confronted with the gap between your vision of perfect and the reality of what you’ve created, the easiest path is no path. Shrug. Admit defeat. Hit delete. One more reason to follow someone else and wait for instructions. Of course, the only path to amazing runs directly through not-yet-amazing. But not-yet-amazing is a great place to start, because that’s where you are.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Icarus Deception, 2012
Perfectionism stalls progress; starting imperfectly is essential, and repeated attempts lead to improvement.
In simple terms: Start imperfectly; keep going.
Key Takeaway
Begin now, accept imperfection.
Themes
creativity
productivity
perfectionism
growth
Mood
hopeful
encouraging
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- writing first draft
- design prototype
- business plan
- artistic work
Key Concepts
iteration
learning curve
risk tolerance
Questions to Reflect On
- What small step can you take today?
- How can you reframe “not yet amazing” as progress?
A Different Perspective
Perfection can be paralyzing; may cause procrastination.
