As creatives, it’s all too easy to get bogged down in the planning phase of a project, striving for absolute perfection. This quest can leave us spinning our wheels, stalling progress, and ultimately keeping us from diving into the actual creation. I recently experienced this firsthand with a seemingly simple home DIY project: recovering an old, worn-out lounge chair that had become my daughter’s favorite spot.
Overcoming the Hurdles of Overthinking
Determined to give the chair a new life, I chose soft, fluffy fabric for comfort and sturdy felt for durability, bought an industrial stapler, and even planned to document the entire process on video. However, the project stalled for weeks. Doubts crept in—Do I have enough fabric? Will the stapler work? How do I handle the video angles? These questions turned into roadblocks, preventing me from starting. The fear of imperfection and the pressure of documenting the process perfectly were paralyzing.
Taking the Leap and Embracing Imperfection
Finally, I pushed through the hesitation with a simple mantra: “Start somewhere.” I set up my camera only for it to die two minutes in, but instead of giving up, I switched to using my phone. I tackled the project one step at a time, solving problems as they came, without worrying about the perfect video or flawless execution. Forty-five minutes later, the chair was transformed, and my daughter’s delighted smile told me all I needed to know about the success of my efforts.
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to just start. You might find that you’re more prepared than you think, and even if things don’t go as planned, you’ll learn and adapt along the way. Happy creating, and remember, perfection is often the enemy of progress.
.svg){kind=small}
