Progress over perfection: taking my own advice
Sometimes it’s easier said than done
Last month I put my refreshed website live, but it wasn’t quite the “woo-hoo!” moment I’d imagined. Instead, upon launch I muttered “finally”.
As a web designer, I often advise my clients, "it's progress, not perfection, let’s think in phases". Or "a website is not one and done, they’re never really finished". I stand by all that. But when it came to updating and launching my own website, I completely ignored my own advice.
I endlessly tweaked copy and over-thought how every page might be perceived. I questioned the layout, the colours, whether it all 'felt right'. I told myself I was refining but I was procrastinating.
The creative nudge I needed
Last year I attended an online program called Gather & Grow. It was all about marketing for introverts (you could call it prepping for freelance life!). This is where I met Pip Rowson, a freelance writer, editor & proofreader. During another round of tweaking copy I reached out to Pip to ask for help.
Working with Pip taught me how to trust the words and sentiment which were already in my head. Prompts and exercises helped get ideas on to paper which felt more like me. I loved working with another creative. Seeing how Pip approached the writing process and the opportunity it gave me to sit in the client seat. After the copy was settled I felt refreshed and unblocked, ready to continue.
Upon reflection I realised I’d fallen into the exact trap I try to help my clients avoid. I was chasing the idea of perfection, and it was preventing me from launching my website. So, I took my own advice and published the site.
Progress really is better than perfection
Nothing dramatic happened. Nobody emailed me to question my choice of typeface or challenge my colour palette! Now that the site is live, I will refine and evolve it as I go, which is exciting!
Because the truth is, websites grow and evolve like businesses do. And sometimes, the hardest part is getting started or hitting the publish button.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a similar loop overthinking, I’d love to hear how you got past it. What helped you finally hit publish? Share your thoughts in the comments below, I'm sure many of us can relate.
If the progress over perfection approach sounds like your style, that’s how I like to work too, iteratively and learning from what the data tells us and refining along the way.