Done is better than perfect!
Finding Balance in the Perfectionist’s Dilemma
Developers and artists both combine creativity and technical skills to create their work. The difference is that they use different mediums of expression and target different audiences. In “Hackers & Painters,” Paul Graham explored the similarities between hackers and painters, highlighting their unique ability to create something substantial from the intangible “void,” with a strong desire for perfection.
However, the world of IT operates in a pragmatic business environment with strict deadlines and budgetary constraints that dictate workflows and require collaboration within teams. To meet project objectives effectively, engineers often resort to expedient shortcuts to facilitate seamless cooperation. This leaves little room for endless refinement until achieving perfection, which is a rarity.
Nevertheless, not only you, but numerous engineers, developers, and professionals, in general, succumb to perfectionism. We aspire to leave a lasting legacy through the creation of remarkable products and intelligent decisions that contribute positively to the world of technology, ultimately enhancing humanity’s condition. Yet, perfectionism frequently results in procrastination and, worse, paralysis. To thrive in a rapidly changing market dominated by tech giants like Google, NVIDIA, and OpenAI, we try to cover as much ground as possible, yet, we found ourselves spread thin, barely scratching the surface of each domain while others dove deep.
what sets us apart from those who know how to hack the process?
They understand that mastery lies not in-depth, nor breadth, but in minimalism.
Hackers and perfectionism:
Hackers aim to complete only the necessary work to present results to the public. The final product may not be aesthetically pleasing and it may not always function as intended. However, this first iteration, also known as the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), is developed purely to assess market response. Consider the Wright brothers’ first airplane — the Wright Flyer. It may not have had the sleek design or capabilities of modern aircraft, but it marked the beginning of powered flight.
A minimalistic start for smooth, steady growth:
Consider the construction of a new building. You could spend months designing intricate architectural plans, meticulously selecting materials, and refining every detail to perfection. However, this approach might lead to delays in breaking ground and could potentially exceed the project budget.
Alternatively, imagine presenting a simplified blueprint with basic functionality to the client. While it may lack the intricate design elements initially envisioned, it allows construction to begin sooner. As work progresses, you can gradually incorporate enhancements and aesthetic refinements based on feedback and available resources. This iterative approach ensures timely project completion, client satisfaction, and the opportunity for continuous improvement. This applies to all the projects in the IT field.
Now, to clarify, minimalism is not mediocrity or inadequacy. It's more about pragmatism and going with the flow.
Don't get me wrong!
After reading all of this, you may come to the conclusion that being realistic and pragmatic is the only way to go and that there is no place for aesthetic beauty in your work. However, I always strive to write code that resembles poetry. I am still trying to figure out the best approach to take.
To conclude: Once you become aware of your perfectionist tendencies, you can choose to act differently.
How did you act? What is your methodology?
