Many creators are their own harshest critics.
They don’t get ideas out until they’re absolutely perfect.
Hence, they sometimes wait forever or are sometimes taken over by a competitor who is simply faster to market.
If you feel that you are this kind of “perfectionist” (and I myself have been for many years, but am getting better), here are three tips that have worked for me:
1. When you create something, do NOT edit/criticize yourself
This is a habit from school and it’s the habit creators have to free themselves from. Give yourself permission to do this with the knowledge that when you’re almost done, you may critic yourself as much as you like.
When you create something you want to get into a state a friend of mine calls “freeasy” (free + easy). That’s the ideal state to be in to create!
2. Get a super-critic on your team
This is something I learned while writing my first book Presentation Latte. Everyone who got the book early loved it. Except for one friend. He had a long list of critical comments to share with me. Funny thing was that we were just to meet for a casual lunch. Boy, I can’t forget that lunch.
Ever since that meeting, I call people like him super-critics.
And yes, I believe you should have one or maybe two super-critics on your team. They will often give you a different perspective and some great tips.
Only, keep in mind not to let their criticism stop you!
3. Good enough is good enough
If most people who you tested your creation on, like it…
And you changed some things based on the feedback of your super-critic…
Get your creation out!
You’ve done enough. Most people like it. Now it’s time for the market.
Microsoft didn’t bring out a perfect Windows from the start (many argue it’s still not perfect).
So enough testing already. When you feel it’s good enough, it’s good enough.
© Copyright 2013 Ben A. Ratje All Rights Reserved
photo credit: mikecogh via photopin cc
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