In an ideal world, all our work would be perfect. However, Moira Dunne argues that, with time constraints on our days, we sometimes have to let that perfectionist mentality go and settle for just good.

Most people pride themselves on the high standards they achieve in their work lives. While aiming for perfection can help deliver quality work, the downside of such pressure can often outweigh the benefits. It can cause stress if we don’t have the time or skill to achieve the standard we want and impact our schedule as we tediously try to work out the assumed problems. Is perfection the enemy of productivity?

Spending too long on one task may mean missing a deadline on another. Attempting to create the perfect project or document can be counterproductive to the business. However, sometimes it feels like it’s the only way to work. We do this for a few reasons:

• the desire for perfection and being seen to be the best
• enjoying the work and getting caught up in the ‘zone’
• fear of criticism from colleagues and leadership
• workplace anxiety
• unclear deliverables

In today’s hectic workplace, many people have more work to do than they have time to do it. Therefore, it is important to make the right decisions each day to use time in the best possible way. There are a few ways to do this.

When good is good enough

Sometimes, the standards we aim for are not required. While quality is important, it can be more productive to progress two tasks or projects to an acceptable level rather than perfect one to a very high standard no one asked for.

For perfectionists, letting go in this way can be hard to do. It can help to get agreement in advance from a manager or a client about expectations and what needs to be delivered. This gives the perfectionist permission to complete the job even if the standard reached is not perfect in their eyes.

Effort versus impact

Every piece of work takes valuable time out of your day, so it is vital to consider the value being added. Is 80% of the current effort enough? Is the last 20% the ‘nice to have’ aspect of the task? Ask yourself:

• will anyone notice the final 20% of the work I do on this task?
• will this extra effort add any benefit for my clients or my colleagues?
• am I adding additional features because that’s the part of the work I enjoy?

Splitting your task into two areas can help: the essential work (80%) and the additional work (20%). First, work towards 80% completion in the time allotted for the task. Then, once that is completed, add the 20% if time allows. Or move on, but return at a later point if you have flexibility in your schedule.

Be decisive with time

To be productive, it is important to have a plan for each day. Put time blocks in your schedule to work on critical pieces of work. This will help you limit the time spent on each task. Use a timer if necessary. When your time block is up, consider what is the best use of your time – to continue with the task, or move on to your next priority? If you have 80% of the work done, it may be time to put this task to rest.

The key is to make mindful decisions about your work instead of getting engrossed in one task and losing track of time.

Moira Dunne is founder of beproductive.ie.