Growth Instigators Hotline

#319 Want to guarantee the thing youre working on BOMBS OUT…

• Aaron Havens • Season 4 • Episode 319

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Perfectionism might be the most well-dressed enemy of your success. Ever notice how that pursuit of flawlessness often leaves your best work trapped inside your head? In this powerful episode, we unpack the deceptive nature of perfectionism and why it's really just "procrastination in a tuxedo."

John Acuff's wisdom resonates throughout our discussion: "90% perfect and shared with the world always changes more lives than 100% perfect and stuck in your head." This isn't just motivational talk—it's the fundamental difference between those who make an impact and those who remain perpetually "almost ready." We explore why progress builds unstoppable momentum, how imperfect action unlocks critical feedback loops, and the tremendous freedom that comes from letting go of unrealistic standards.

The question isn't whether you can achieve perfection—it's whether you're willing to choose progress instead. Would you rather endlessly refine something that never launches, or would you rather take imperfect action and learn through real-world experience? Your growth doesn't require flawless execution; it simply needs your commitment to taking the next right step. I challenge you today: Where are you holding back because it's not perfect? What small move could create real momentum in your life or work? You don't need to be flawless—you just need to be faithful to forward motion. Reach out and share your thoughts at Aaron@growthinstigators.com, and keep instigating growth in everything you do.

Speaker 1:

If you want to guarantee the thing you're working on bombs out, just do this one thing Welcome to message 319 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. Thrive and Growth Thursday Progress over perfection over perfection. Now let's be real. Perfection sounds noble, but it's often just procrastination in a tuxedo. Want to make sure your project bombs. That thing never ships. Progress is never made. You never make that team. Then just keep trying to make it perfect.

Speaker 1:

Author John Acuff said it like this 90% perfect and shared with the world always changes more lives than 100% perfect and stuck in your head. That's right. Trying to get it perfect before you move, that's not caution, that's delay and growth. It doesn't wait for flawless conditions. I'll take progress over perfect every day. How about you? Well, why?

Speaker 1:

Progress builds momentum. One imperfect action teaches more than a hundred polished ideas you'd never test. Progress unlocks feedback. You don't grow by getting it perfect. You grow by doing than adjusting. Progress frees you from pressure. Let go of the unrealistic standards. Let go of the image. Lead from the work, not the worry. Create on the fly. I know it can be scary.

Speaker 1:

Here's the deal. Would you rather think and plan and dream and talk and refine and adjust and consider and debate and sit on something that never launches? Find and adjust and consider and debate and sit on something that never launches, or would you rather try? I would rather try, get it out in the real world and make the same adjustments and learn. No, for real. You have a choice today. Will you try or just dream? Give me progress over perfection every day? Today, would you pause and ask yourself why am I holding back because it's not perfect? And where am I holding back because it's not perfect? And what small move could create real momentum? You don't need to be flawless, you just need to be faithful to the right next step.

Speaker 1:

Thank you for calling Growth Instigators Hotline. I'd love to hear from you. Leave a message after the beep or send an email to Aaron at growthinstigatorscom and let me know. Where are you waiting for perfection, when progress would be just fine? And what's one imperfect step you're ready to take today? You, yes, you, can. I hear from you. It's lonely having a monologue. You must like this call, right? I mean, you've listened this long and many of you call daily, so let me know you're here. Just say hi and number two, share this number with your social media team. Friend, mom, sister, whatever, as always, keep instigating growth in all you do.