[This DrP article was first published on Next Evolution Performance]
Perfectionism produces paralysis. It doesn’t produce progress or excellence. The prescriptions on what we need to do– X amount of sunlight every morning, don’t touch your phone before sleeping, meditate and do yoga, take 10000 steps, etcetera– are burgeoning. Add that to all the ‘curated for you’ specialised AI recommendations that are tailored to your blood type, body mass, genetics, etcetera, and we will stack on way too many protocols. Just typing this out exhausts me.
Now, let’s think about it this way like a computer, INPUTS → OUTPUTS.
Striving for perfect inputs, leads to paralysed outputs.
Committing to #BetterThanNothing inputs, leads to excellent outputs.
Let’s get smarter about things rather than having a blind allegiance to the perfect protocols and processes, because then chasing mental health that way leads you to have poorer mental health.
I’d rather be mentally fit, have a life, and hit my goals. Peak performance, ftw.
The Beauty Of #BetterThanNothing Strategy
The #BetterThanNothing strategy is not about lowering standards. Instead, it’s about:
- Taking consistent, imperfect action
- Embracing progress over perfection
- Building momentum through small wins
- Reducing decision paralysis
- Cultivating a growth mindset
- Having a structure so your progress is sustainable
- Regular reviews so your system grows with you
The Neuroscience Behind #BetterThanNothing
The #BetterThanNothing strategy aligns with several key neuroscientific principles:
- Dopamine and Motivation: Small wins trigger dopamine release, reinforcing positive behaviours and motivating further action.
- Neuroplasticity: Consistent practice, even if imperfect, strengthens brain pathways associated with the desired behaviour.
- Stress Reduction: Lowering the stakes for each action reduces cortisol levels, improving decision-making and creativity.
- Cognitive Flexibility: Embracing imperfection enhances the brain’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Recovery: Allowing for tiny pockets of doing something else that is good for your brain and body, gives you distance and perspective.
Implementing #BetterThanNothing in Personal Life
- Start Small: Begin with tiny, manageable tasks that are “better than nothing.”
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.
- Reframe Perfectionism: View perfectionism as a tool for excellence, not a prerequisite for action.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness when facing setbacks.
- Focus on Learning: Emphasise growth and learning over flawless execution.
Some ways I do it include:–
- Popping weights by my desk, 5 minutes between calls, 4 times a day means 20 minutes.
- Walking whenever I can, by taking public transport. That way I can pop in 8 flights of steps on a regular day.
- Sneaking in 3 deep breaths in-between activities so I always regulate my brain throughout the day.
- Tiny bouts of journaling on my phone to emotionally digest what’s gone on, or to reflect. That way, I sleep very well knowing I have looked back on each day.
- Instituting a rule that for every ten times I touch my phone leisurely, 4 times must be for growing my brain– learning, reading, studying a language, writing.
- Having a two healthy meals in a week rule so I know that I have some days when I maximise protein and fibre, whilst minimising sugar.
And I know, that also means ruthlessly cutting out everything or everyone else that doesn’t merit my time, which in-itself is a worthwhile exercise.
Incorporating #BetterThanNothing into Organisational Culture
Organisations can foster a #BetterThanNothing culture to drive innovation, reduce burnout, and improve overall performance. Here are some practices to adopt:
- Encourage Rapid Prototyping: Promote a culture of quick iterations and learning from “imperfect” prototypes.
- Implement “Minimum Viable Progress”: Set small, achievable milestones for projects to maintain momentum.
- Celebrate Learning from Failures: Reframe failures as valuable learning experiences, reducing fear of imperfection.
- Promote Psychological Safety: Create an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and share imperfect ideas.
- Implement “No-Perfection” Zones: Designate specific times or projects where the focus is on quantity of ideas over quality.
- Reward Initiative Over Perfection: Recognise and reward employees who take action, rather than wait for perfect results.
- Flexible Goal-Setting: Allow for adjustments in goals and strategies as new information emerges.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Encourage diverse teams to work together, valuing different perspectives over “perfect” solutions.
- Training Personal Habits: See the above under “Implementing #BetterThanNothing in Personal Life”
The Neuroscience Behind Organisational Implementation Of #BetterThanNothing
- Social Contagion: Positive behaviours spread through mirror neurons, amplifying the #BetterThanNothing mindset across teams.
- Oxytocin and Trust: Psychological safety increases oxytocin levels, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Cognitive Diversity: Diverse teams activate different neural pathways, leading to more creative problem-solving.
- Stress Reduction at Scale: A culture that embraces imperfection reduces collective stress, improving organisational decision-making.
Overcoming Challenges
Implementing the #BetterThanNothing strategy may face resistance, particularly in high-stakes environments. Address concerns by:
- Emphasising that it’s about progress, not lowering standards. Explaining the Input → Output idea, alongside building the right brain pathways (neuroplasticity) and compound interest in the right direction, appeals to logical brains.
- Showcasing early wins and improvements in team morale.
- Providing training on growth mindset and the neuroscience of perfectionism.
- Gradually implementing changes, starting with low-risk projects.
- Reviewing consistently to make this all more palatable.
Conclusion
The #BetterThanNothing strategy offers a powerful alternative to perfectionism, enabling sustainable success for both individuals and organisations. By understanding the neuroscience behind this approach and implementing it thoughtfully, we can create cultures that foster innovation, reduce burnout, and achieve excellent outcomes through consistent, imperfect action.
Perfect is the enemy of done, but #BetterThanNothing is the friend of progress and in fact, builds excellence.
Keen on building a healthy organisational culture? Get in touch here.