Ship At 80%

So… I’m a recovering perfectionist. Wait… is recovering even the right word? See? There I go again.

One thing I’ve been learning in 2025 is that you need to ship your work before you feel ready. Just so we’re clear: “shipping” is about releasing your work into the world. It’s a common term in IT and startup circles. Steve Jobs, for example, famously said “Real artists ship.” In Steve’s world, good ideas aren’t enough, you must finish them get them to market.

I don’t write code. I build learning experiences. But I don’t ship on time like I should. Alright, confession time: I spend too long tinkering with my work. I build the structure or framework for my program and then obsess over the details.

I tell myself that this extra time is about creating something that meets my standard of excellence (good, right?). But… sheepish admission ahead… I’m probably tinkering because it’s safer than finding out that the market doesn’t like what I’m building (not so good, right?). Ouch.

When you work for yourself it’s easy to get in your own head. My Lego Serious Play trainer from years ago used to say, “Stop having a meeting with yourself” (Hi, Jackie!).

Here’s the deal. There is no path to perfect when you keep your ideas locked up. Besides, perfect doesn’t exist anyway.

I’m adopting a new standard operating procedure: I’m shipping when I’m 80% ready. If my project is terrible, the market will tell me. I’ll lick my wounds and build the next thing. If my project is decent, the market will tell me. I’ll absorb the feedback and work to improve my offer. If my project is amazing, the market will tell me. I’ll jump in with renewed energy to build out those signature flourishes.  

If you’re a recovering perfectionist like me… Don’t overcook it. Accept your neurosis. Hit the publish button. Watch what happens.

Inspiration

Perfectionists Anonymous.