Done is Better Than Perfect—Leading Through Action
I see it all the time—brilliant, capable leaders stuck in overthinking. They hesitate, waiting for the perfect answer, the absolute certainty that they’re making the right decision.
But here’s the truth:
If you’re waiting for the perfect answer, you’re already behind.
If you’re waiting until you feel completely certain, you’ll never take action.
Because leadership—real, impactful leadership—isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing how to move forward even when you don’t.
Why Leaders Freeze
When pressure is high and uncertainty looms, the brain’s natural response is to fight, flee, freeze, or fawn. Many leaders find themselves in the freeze state—analysis paralysis—where they feel stuck, afraid to make the wrong decision.
This is understandable. Leaders are responsible for big outcomes, and they don’t want to make a mistake. But the best leaders know that clarity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build.
The Shift: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
The strongest leaders don’t wait for complete certainty before making a decision. Instead, they take an approach that allows them to move forward with confidence:
Gather insight. They don’t make decisions in isolation. They seek input from trusted advisors, colleagues, and team members.
Get 80-90 percent of the way there. Instead of waiting for perfection, they determine what’s "good enough" to move forward.
Identify the next step. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, they ask: What’s the next right move?
Assign ownership. Who is responsible for what? By when? And how will we measure success?
I often tell my clients, Who is going to do what, by when, and how will we know? These questions provide a practical framework for moving forward without getting lost in endless deliberation.
How to Break Free from Overthinking
If you find yourself stuck in indecision, try this three-step process:
1. Go Outward
Seek input from those around you. Ask trusted colleagues, advisors, or team members for their perspectives. You don’t have to solve everything alone.
2. Filter the Noise
Not every opinion carries equal weight. Look for themes, wisdom, and insights that align with your values and the goals of your organization.
3. Then, Go Inward
Ask yourself: What do I stand for in this moment? Align your decision with what you know to be true and take the next step forward.
Most people believe clarity comes before action. But in reality, clarity comes through action.
Who’s Your Sounding Board?
Leadership can be lonely. One of the biggest reasons leaders hire me is because they need a confidential space to work through their toughest challenges, get out of indecision, and take the next best step.
If you’re feeling stuck and want a thought partner to help you gain clarity and momentum, let’s talk.
Schedule a Leadership & Team Alignment Audit to:
Identify your biggest opportunities for growth
Pinpoint the obstacles holding you back
Develop a roadmap for sustainable success
Great leaders don’t wait for the perfect answer. They move forward, gather insight, and adjust as they go. Let’s move your leadership—and your team—forward, together.