A Framework for beating Procrastination and Perfectionism

We have the tendency to overthink as humans. Some more than others. I think I’m definitely someone who needs tools to help me not overanalyze my next moves–a framework that I’ve bumped into for starting new projects is the “Lean Startup method,” coined by entrepreneur and author Eric Riess. Central to this methodology is the "fail fast" mentality, which encourages rapid testing and iteration rather than striving for perfection out of the gate. 

At the core of procrastination is a deep-rooted fear that whatever we produce will not be appreciated as good enough. So why even try?

Well, as cynical as it might sound, but when you’re starting out, what you will produce is likely far from good enough. It will likely fail. And that’s okay. You can aim for success and fall short. In most cases no one will shame you for it. In fact, people respect that you tried.

This is the evil of perfectionism–while your intentions are good it can be really insidious in the ways it hurts your progress. The “Lean Startups Methodology” is a great antidote--it wants you to fail, and fail fast. 

Why? Failure leads to new data, which you can use to iterate and improve, a constant cycle of iteration that leads to improved outcomes over time. 

- Build-Measure-Learn: Rapidly prototype a minimum viable product (MVP) to test assumptions, gather customer feedback, and iterate.

- Validated Learning: Make decisions based on empirical data and real-world feedback, continually validating hypotheses about the product/market fit.

- Pivot or Persevere: Based on feedback and data, decide whether to make fundamental changes (pivot) or continue with the current course (persevere).

Zappos, today known as one of the largest online shoe retailers, is a testament to the power of the Lean Startup methodology and the lessons learned from failure. When founder Nick Swinmurn came up with the idea of selling shoes online, the skepticism was rife: people believed shoes had to be tried on in person. But Swinmurn was determined to validate his hypothesis.

Instead of investing heavily in inventory, he applied a lean approach. He went to local shoe stores, took pictures of their inventory, and posted them online. If someone ordered a pair, he would return to the store, purchase the shoes, and then ship them out. This method wasn’t sustainable or profitable, but it was not meant to be. Instead, it was a quick and inexpensive way to test whether people were willing to buy shoes online.

While the initial model was inherently flawed and "failed" in a traditional business sense, the insights gained were invaluable. People were willing to buy shoes online, but the model needed rethinking. With these learnings, Zappos pivoted, developing a more sustainable business model with real inventory and a strong emphasis on customer service. Their early "failure" with the Lean Startup approach illuminated the path to their eventual success, leading to their acquisition by Amazon for $1.2 billion in 2009.

Sometimes frameworks like this can help make complex processes into achievable action steps. While not everyone is a startup entrepreneur, even though scrolling through LinkedIn gives that impression, the framework is applicable to many endeavors. 

How will you leverage it?

Remember to subscribe, if you liked this article.