The Sweet Spot Between Flawed and Flawless: Letting Go of Perfectionism to Complete Websites in a Day

NOTE – if you are a pixel pusher, this service MAY not be the best for you, but if you’re willing to give up being a perfectionist, read on!

Perfectionism is often seen as a badge of honor, a sign of dedication, and a commitment to excellence. But what if the very thing driving us to succeed is actually holding us back? What if the relentless pursuit of perfection prevents us from making meaningful progress, stifles creativity, and increases stress without adding real value?

The truth is, perfection is an illusion. It’s a mirage that keeps us chasing an unattainable ideal instead of focusing on meaningful progress. The world’s most accomplished professionals, from architects to artists to entrepreneurs, have mastered not perfection, but the art of knowing when “good enough” is actually better than perfect.

The Problem with Perfectionism

It’s natural to want to put out our best work, to strive for excellence, and to avoid mistakes. But perfectionism takes this to an extreme, and in doing so, it leads to three major problems:

1. Obsessing Over Details That Don’t Matter Perfectionists often fixate on minor flaws instead of seeing the bigger picture. They may spend hours tweaking the smallest aspects of a Squarespace website, failing to realize that these details don’t significantly impact the outcome.
2. Solving the Wrong Problems Instead of focusing on what truly moves the needle, perfectionists get caught up in fixing minor issues that won’t make a meaningful difference. They become so preoccupied with perfecting small Showit design elements that they miss opportunities for greater success.
3. Avoiding Challenges for Fear of Failure Perfectionists often shy away from taking on new challenges or experimenting with unfamiliar tasks. The fear of not getting it right the first time can prevent growth, learning, and innovation.

Embracing Imperfection: The Wabi Sabi Philosophy

Instead of chasing perfection, a more effective approach is to embrace imperfection. I just got done reading chapter 3 of Adam Grant’s book, Hidden Potential and he talks about this philosophy in relation to perfectionism in creative entrepreneurs.

READ MORE: 10 Inspiring Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

In Japanese culture, this philosophy is known as wabi sabi, the art of finding beauty in imperfection. It’s not about intentionally creating flaws but accepting that flaws are inevitable—and sometimes, they add character and depth to our work.

Wabi sabi is about shifting attention from impossible ideals to achievable standards. Instead of striving for a perfect, unrealistic outcome, focus on making something meaningful, valuable, and authentic.

Done Is Better Than Perfect: The Power of Progress

If perfection is the enemy of progress, then the key to success lies in knowing when to move forward. One of the most effective strategies for overcoming perfectionism is adopting the Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) mindset (also an idea by Adam Grant in the book Hidden Potential – ready it! It’s good y’all).

Applying the MLP Mindset to Website in a Day

Instead of waiting until a website is flawless to launch, focus on creating something that is strategic, functional, and high-converting within the given time frame. Refinements can always come later, but holding out for perfection means the project drags on, delaying results for both you and your client.

How This Works in Website in a Day

Using what I gained from Chapter 3 of Adam Grant’s book, here is some takeaways for implementing his tricks for designing websites in a day:

• Soft Launches & Early Feedback – Get the client’s website live with the essential elements in place. Rather than obsessing over tiny design tweaks, focus on a solid strategy and structure. Encourage clients to gather real-world feedback and refine later based on data.
• Use a Rating System – Not every detail needs to be pixel-perfect. Prioritize the elements that impact conversions the most—strong copy, clear calls to action, and mobile responsiveness. A 9/10 on core functionality beats a 10/10 on button spacing.
• Recognize That It’s Impossible to Please Everyone – Clients may have different opinions on design details, but your job is to guide them toward what actually works. Instead of catering to every request, ask: Is this change going to improve results? If not, it’s okay to let go of unnecessary tweaks.

By embracing this mindset, you can deliver high-quality websites quickly and efficiently—without falling into the perfectionism trap that slows so many designers down.

Want to know my process to website in a days?

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Measuring Progress: How to Stay Motivated

One of the biggest challenges with letting go of perfectionism is that expectations rise with accomplishment. The more progress you make, the more you demand of yourself, making it difficult to appreciate how far you’ve come.

To counter this, find a way to monitor your progress and remind yourself of your achievements.

• Keep a “Wins” Journal – Regularly track small successes, client reviews or kind emails, and milestones to reflect on how much you’ve grown. I’ve designed 80+ Squarespace and Showit Websites in a DAY since 2020! That’s something I am SO proud of.
• Use Mental Time Travel – Think back to where you were five years ago. If your past self could see what you’ve accomplished today, how proud would you be (another concept by Adam Grant).
• Shift Focus to Impact – Other people tend to judge you based on your highlights, not your mistakes. Recognize that your best moments define you more than your worst.

Pivoting: Finding Acceptable Solutions Instead of Perfect Ones

In the business and creative world, pivoting—or adjusting course based on feedback and real-world results—is an essential skill. If you’re stuck in perfectionist mode, you may struggle to pivot because you’re too attached to the idea of a flawless execution. But those who thrive understand that adaptation beats perfection every time.

How to Pivot Effectively:

1. Test and Adjust – Treat your work like an experiment. Try an approach, gather feedback, and refine based on what’s working.
2. Be Willing to Make Trade-offs – Recognize that some things matter more than others. Prioritize what truly impacts success.
3. Let Go of the All-or-Nothing Mindset – Progress isn’t linear, and mistakes are part of the journey. Rather than abandoning a project because it’s not perfect, find ways to make meaningful improvements.

The Freedom of Letting Go

Letting go of perfectionism doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means shifting your focus from flawless to effective. The best work comes not from obsessing over every detail, but from iterating, improving, and focusing on what truly matters.

By embracing imperfection, monitoring progress over time, and pivoting when necessary, you can break free from the constraints of perfectionism and unlock your true potential.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in the cycle of overthinking when trying to design a website, remember: Done is better than perfect. Keep moving forward, and the rest will follow.