On Knowledge
The problem with knowledge is that you know too much.
By trade, training, and experience, I'm a designer. I know a ton about brands, how websites come together, creating visuals, color theory, tools of the trade, design research methods, and more. Additionally, I possess extensive knowledge of business, including models, go-to-market strategies, financial projections, operations, and so on.
The problem with the depth of knowledge that I have in these two areas is that it makes it incredibly difficult to finish a simple website. There's always room for improvement—the photos could be better, the copy could be enhanced, the colors could be more vibrant, and the list goes on.
With more knowledge, it becomes increasingly harder to leave well enough alone. The more you know, the harder it can be to step back and call something "done" and release it into the world. There's always a nagging feeling that there's more I could do to improve the finished product before launch.
And while there's nothing wrong with striving for excellence, this mindset can lead to a never-ending cycle of revisions and tweaks that ultimately delay progress. Perfection isn't always necessary. Sometimes, it's better to accept that good enough is good enough.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on knowing enough to create a credible finished product.
You need discernment to know when you are reaching the point of diminishing returns. In these moments, you will need to draw upon your wisdom - your knowledge combined with your intuition and experience - to decide if the continued time spent on craft is genuinely worth it. Wisdom tells us when it's worth investing the extra effort to push our creation from 80% to 90%, 95%, or beyond.
That's not to say you or I should settle for subpar work, but rather, that we shouldn't let craft deny action.
It's in the act of completion that our work finds its wings and takes flight.
After all, what good is a masterpiece that remains locked away, unseen by the world?
So how do you know when to launch and to stop crafting?
- You've run out of time. When you've reached a specific deadline, it's crucial to wrap up the project.
- You've run out of money or economic incentive. If the budget has been exhausted, and continuing to craft further would require personal financial investment, it's time to consider stopping.
- You've met a set objective. The goals set at the project's outset have been accomplished and you've objectively met the criteria for completion.
- You're are not having fun with it anymore. When the project starts to feel like work and stops being a source of learning or enjoyment, it's a clear sign to halt and launch.
Set your work free.