I have learned from the artists surrounding me*** that there is a fine balance between productivity, creativity and quality of output. There is no need for conflict and these can coexist quite well.

From these artists I have learned that a work is never perfected on the first draft, but that the life of the artist is in the travail (french word for word). I also learned that productivity during this creating process is only a goal, at best a soft target.

But the most valuable lesson I learned is that there is such a thing as good enough. Too often we blame perfectionism for what is often paralysis by analysis. To be a perfectionist in the pure sense of the word is actually a quality in this world of shoddy workmanship and price cutting manufacturing. However, to over analyze is a productivity robber. From my life experience, I have had to learn that sometimes I have to accept ‘good enough’ and launch products before perfection or to take a leap of faith even before I have all the details mapped out.

My challenge is to make sure the good enough is actually good enough. RIght now, I am in the process of rebuilding our web site and database because it WAS NOT quite good enough. … and then, I will have to let it go once again when it is good enough. Can you see the challenge?

As for patience and all these qualities some people see in me, I must tell you that I hold these only when I am doing these things like teaching, creating content or writing. This is when I am working out of my strengths. I do consider myself very fortunate to be one of the few able to actually work with their skills, talents and in a field that they are passionate about.

Are you working out of your strengths? If not, that could explain some of your stress. So, aim for good enough, don’t sit on ideas forever and get paid for who you are.