Done is Better Than Perfect: How to Launch Before You Feel 'Ready'

You’ve got the idea. The outline. Maybe even the logo. But the blog isn’t launched. The course isn’t posted. The offer sits on your Google Drive collecting digital dust.

Sound familiar? Welcome to the sneaky world of perfectionism in entrepreneurship.

Here’s the truth: perfection is the #1 dream-killer in online business. But the good news? You don’t need perfect. You just need published.

Why Perfectionism Is Holding You Back

Perfectionism often disguises itself as being "thorough" or "strategic"—but it’s really fear wearing a mask. It keeps you in the planning phase forever because launching feels risky.

Ask yourself: What’s the worst that happens if it’s not perfect? (Spoiler: the world won’t end.)

80% might have been a low B in school, and not likely to get you on the honor roll. In the world of entrepreneurship, however, it's a great place to be. Get your product to 80%, launch/publish it, and then if you want to perfect it - knock yourself out.

Step 1: Set a Deadline—& Stick to It Like It's Your Job

Indefinite timelines = indefinite action. Pick a launch date and work backwards. Treat it like an actual job deadline. Bonus points: announce the date publicly. Studies show that when we announce our goals to our friends, family, or general public, we are much more likely to achieve them. Something about not wanting to publicly not reach our goals incentivizes us more.

Step 2: Cut It in Half

If your idea feels too big or overwhelming, it probably is. Shrink the project until it’s bite-sized enough to complete in a week or less.

Examples:

• Don’t write a full eBook. Write a 3-page cheat sheet.

• Don’t launch a full course. Host a 1-hour mini workshop.

• Don’t build a full website. Launch a one-page offer page.

Step 3: Launch as a Beta

Still nervous? Call it a beta launch. Tell your audience this is a first version and you're gathering feedback. This instantly takes pressure off and adds a sense of exclusivity.

Step 4: Press Publish, Then Improve

Here's the magic: once it's out there, you can still tweak it. But now, you’ve gained momentum. You’ve moved. You’re learning from real-world feedback—not endless hypotheticals. As I said at the beginning of the article, we're not looking for A+ perfection - we're looking for good. Because good = published, and published = action.

Step 5: Celebrate the Win

Did you hit publish? Did you launch that imperfect thing? That’s the win. Not the likes, not the sales. The doing. Entrepreneurs grow through action, not overthinking.

“If you’re not a little embarrassed by your first version, you launched too late.” — Reid Hoffman

Takeaway: Start Scrappy. Grow Smart.

Your “Version 1” isn’t your final draft. It's the ticket to your future success. Progress, not perfection, is what builds a profitable online business.

BONUS:

Need help launching your first digital product? Download my free checklist: 'The 7-Day Imperfect Launch Plan' and get it out into the world!