Perfection paralysis - it’s real, and it hits everyone, including researchers. The fear of sharing something that’s not perfect can lead to procrastination and, worse, missed opportunities.
Fact is, there’s no such thing as a perfect proposal, thesis, or article. Research is a work in progress, not a finished masterpiece. The best work isn’t flawless; it’s clear, solid, and shows your passion.
I nearly missed a postdoc opportunity because I was obsessing over my PhD dissertation. I was lucky to finish in time, but it wasn’t luck that saved me - it was letting go of perfection.
Ask yourself: in those final moments, exhausted and ready to be done, how many tweaks will really change the outcome? Probably none. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress. A draft that evolves with feedback and iteration is better than one that never sees the light of day.
In the business world, especially in software development, it’s all about shipping early, not waiting for perfection. Why? Because real-world feedback beats endless internal tweaks every time. The same goes for research:
Fact is, there’s no such thing as a perfect proposal, thesis, or article. Research is a work in progress, not a finished masterpiece. The best work isn’t flawless; it’s clear, solid, and shows your passion.
I nearly missed a postdoc opportunity because I was obsessing over my PhD dissertation. I was lucky to finish in time, but it wasn’t luck that saved me - it was letting go of perfection.
Ask yourself: in those final moments, exhausted and ready to be done, how many tweaks will really change the outcome? Probably none. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress. A draft that evolves with feedback and iteration is better than one that never sees the light of day.
In the business world, especially in software development, it’s all about shipping early, not waiting for perfection. Why? Because real-world feedback beats endless internal tweaks every time. The same goes for research:
- Embrace Feedback Early: Don’t wait for perfection before getting input. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be done. Feedback will make it better.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Your first draft won’t be perfect, and that’s okay.
- Prioritize Clarity: Make sure your work is clear and feasible. A well-organized, realistic proposal is more effective than one bogged down by unnecessary details.
- Learn from Rejection: It’s not failure; it’s a step toward better work.
In research, progress wins every time. Keep moving forward, and remember - done is better than perfect.
-- João