Imperfect Hustle: Done > Perfect
We've all been there. A fire in our bellies – that constant yearning to create something new, fulfil this incredible idea, a vision that sparks a fire, to solve a problem, or simply to express ourselves in a way, to leave our mark on the world.
But then the self-doubt creeps in. A voice that whispers "Is it good enough?" "Am I good enough" "What if I fail?" "Who are you to think you can pull this off?" And just like that, the passionate fire turns into a pile of nothingness under a bucket of doubt. We all get stuck there, me included.
As someone who's been on this messy ride trying to breathe life into countless ideas (some mine, most loaned), I've have learned a simple lesson: perfection is a myth. That perfect idea - it rarely exists.
Innovation only and always thrives on iteration, on taking that initial spark and molding it through the fires of action.
Waiting for everything to be flawless is a good non starter. Start with a "good enough" version, a medium that lets you see how your idea interacts with the real world. Feedback is gold, and it will help you refine your concept based on what truly matters: the needs of those you're trying to help.
The road to success is more often than not paved with bumps. Launching with an "imperfect" product prepares you to adapt, to learn from mistakes, and to build resilience in the face of challenges. It's about getting your idea out there, even if it's a little wobbly on its feet. That first step sparks a fire – it ignites creativity and will also attract others who believe in what you're building.
This doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind. Do your research, identify your Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and get it out there - whether it's a chapter for critique, a prototype for testing, or a simple sketch of your idea. There's no need to follow someone else's idea for a MVP. Define what "minimum viable" means to you and your specific goal.
So, if you're wrestling with that nagging voice telling you to wait, the perfect time, the perfect resources, the perfect anything - silence it. Remember, the biggest risk is not taking one at all.
so, embrace your "imperfect hustle." Your ideas deserve to be out in the open, even in their rawest form. And who knows, maybe your napkin dream will become the next big thing. :)
P.S. This isn't a club with a velvet rope.
Maybe you have a melody stuck in your head, a story aching to be told, or a hidden talent waiting to be unleashed. The "imperfect hustle" applies to everyone, not just those chasing venture capital. Don't wait until you feel perfectly polished. The beautiful mess of putting yourself out there, even when you feel like a little wobbly, is where the magic happens.
So get out there and share your voice, your song, your story – the world needs it.
P.P.S
Title struggles are SO real. I spent an embarrassing amount of time wrestling with masterpieces like "Imperfect Hustle: Done > Perfect " ... "Do now, Dream Later" ... "Done Beats Perfect " ... "Ship It, Don't Clip It" ... "Hustle first, Dream later"... (jury's still out on some of these). But hey, at least I shipped this message ;)
Guess that's the point, huh? "Done" really is better than perfect, even for titles!