Improvement Over Perfection: Embracing Evolution
Bees on a honeycomb in a hive
Perfection is a tempting goal. It promises clarity, confidence and the satisfaction of getting everything just right. But the pursuit of perfection can easily become a trap—one that holds us back from actually moving forward. Admittedly, I learned this the hard way when launching Strand + Strategy Communications.
I was determined that my brand would visually pay homage to beehives, given how beekeeping in the pandemic inspired my business in many ways. Every element needed to reflect that theme….
But when my very talented graphic designer and friend Paulina Carbonaro asked, “What’s the connection between hives and the business name? How does ‘Strand + Strategy Communications’ relate to beekeeping?” I didn’t have a clear answer. She was right—there was a disconnect. Weeks passed as I wrestled with whether to change the name or force the hive concept to fit. Eventually, I realized how much this attachment to my original vision had slowed me down.
Eventually, I had to let go. I had to shift my mindset from perfect to progress. And once I did, everything started to move. My business evolved, and while some of those original elements remained, others faded away. The truth is, our best ideas and initiatives rarely retain all the ingredients we started with—and that’s okay. Evolution is part of the process and nothing to feel ashamed of.
This experience taught me that business planning, much like creativity, doesn’t thrive in a rigid environment. Our best ideas will evolve over time, often becoming something even better than we originally imagined. It’s a lesson in letting go: the perfect brand or strategy might not include all the elements we started with, but it will carry the essence of what matters most!
By loosening my grip on the bee-themed imagery and opening myself to new directions, I was finally able to move forward and focus on the bigger picture of my business. It was a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to move ahead is to let go of what’s holding us back.
This reminder isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a new project, rebranding a business or working on a creative endeavour, getting too attached to an initial vision can be limiting. Improvement over perfection means being flexible, embracing change and allowing space for growth.
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What am I holding onto too tightly? What if I gave myself permission to adapt? Letting go of perfection doesn’t mean settling for less—it means making room for something even better. You can expect to hear more about this on the 9th episode of The Fountainhead Network’s Community Podcast.
