Disclaimer: I am by any means not advocating that 80% is acceptable regarding you following the law or accounting practices.
However, because I have seen so many of my clients waste time and money (PROFIT) trying to get things 100% perfect, I had to write about this mindset. There seems to be a disturbing trend where people say, “we cannot move forward unless we analyze everything,” to the point where analysis becomes paralysis.
Personally, 80% was a big breakthrough for me. I was a 100% kind of guy for quite a while.
I used to wake up with this mentality:
- I’ve got to please 100% of the people 100% of the time.
- I’ve got to have 100% happiness in my personal life and with my family.
- I’ve got to be 100% right with every decision.
And for many years, that mentality paralyzed me. so, I am encouraging you to adopt my ‘80% is good enough’ mentality as of today! Now, unless you’re delivering babies or landing airplanes (or conducting legal or accounting functions), 80% is a great number! I’m giving you permission today that if you’re a 100% kind of person, it’s okay to be 80%.
One of my keys to success over the years has been to ‘pilot everything.’ I never jumped in both feet to any new business system, marketing plan, or major process change until I launched a pilot first (small and controlled) and then adjusted my course as needed. You should also use this technique as you implement the ideas from my book with your team. Blame the change on me. Tell your team that you are going to pilot test this for the next XX days, and then adjust as needed to make it better.
“You must take action now that will move you towards your goals. Develop a sense of urgency in your life.”
LES BROWN
