The Courage of Imperfect Action
Perfectionism is one of the biggest energy thieves!
We delay, overthink, and procrastinate — all in pursuit of the perfect outcome. Meanwhile, our energy gets trapped in endless loops of planning and worrying rather than flowing into creative action.
I've watched countless brilliant ideas wither on the vine because someone was waiting for the "perfect time" or the "perfect approach." That perfect moment never arrives, and the energy of inspiration fades.
The most energising thing you can do is take imperfect action. Start before you're ready. Launch the imperfect version. Send the draft that could be better.
Here's why imperfect action creates energy:
Action generates momentum. Once you start moving, energy flows. That first step might feel heavy, but each subsequent step becomes lighter as your energy builds and flows in the direction of your action.
Feedback is energising. When you put something out into the world, you get real responses, not just the imagined critics in your head. This actual feedback is fuel for improvement and often far more positive than you anticipated.
Completion releases energy. Having projects perpetually 80% done is exhausting! There's an enormous energy release that comes with completion, even if what you've completed isn't perfect.
Imperfect action builds courage muscles. Each time you release something that feels not-quite-ready, you strengthen your ability to take risks. This courage carries over into all areas of your life.
Progress is more energising than perfection. The satisfaction of moving forward, even in small steps, generates positive energy that perfectionism never can. Progress creates motivation for more progress.
Think about something you're currently holding back on because it's not perfect yet. A project, a conversation, a decision, a creation. What would happen if you took action on it today, imperfect as it is?
The energy you've been using to hold yourself back could be redirected into forward movement. The mental space occupied by that incomplete task could be freed up for new inspirations.
Taking imperfect action doesn't mean producing sloppy work. It means accepting that done is better than perfect, that iteration is more powerful than endless planning, and that your energy deserves to flow rather than stagnate.
What imperfect action will you take today to release your trapped energy?
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