I was mentoring a bookkeeper who had set aside time to work ON her business and realised in the process how much there was to do. She was working on her Vision and Mission, establishing her point of difference, creating a website she’s proud of, implementing systems in her business and desperately needed to recruit because she was flat out with client work. She wanted to get everything perfect before she put on a bookkeeper, but the reality is that she will spend her time frustratingly chasing that illusion.
Wikipedia says that “perfection is, broadly, a state of completeness and flawlessness”. I don’t know about you, but I’m not perfect!
As a great bookkeeper, you have built your reputation on perfect bookkeeping which you should not compromise. But when you’re working ON your business it’s a waste to spend weeks or months getting the wording perfect of your Vision statement. Yes, it’s important but it’s likely to change in the next few years because you’ll realise it wasn’t big enough. Create one that inspires you now.
If you’re already full up with client work and you have systems but haven’t implemented them fully don’t let perfection get in the way of implementation. Instead, have an honest conversation with the new bookkeeper. Tell her that you have these systems but they’re not fully implemented so you’re going to work on that project together. She will respect your honesty and will see through any illusion you try to create around being perfect.
One of my Core Values is Continual Improvement and although I aim for perfection I achieve a whole lot more now that I’m comfortable with the notion that my best is good enough.
Are your important projects stalling because you’re chasing perfection?
Article by Debbie Roberts
