Don’t Be A Movie Critic Marketer
Have you ever watched a movie that you thought was pretty good, and later saw that almost all of the reviews by professional movie critics were negative? There's a reason why that happens, and the same issues that plague movie critics can also affect you as a marketer.
Let's talk about how.
First, let's answer the question: Why are critical reviews always worse than user reviews? I challenge you to go to Yahoo! Movies and find a movie where the overall critical grade is higher than the the average user grade. I've never seen it happen -- though there may be a few rare instances I just don't know about.
That used to drive me crazy. I'd watch a good movie and see that the critics gave it a C- and the users a B+. "Are critics really that clueless?" I thought.
No, they're not clueless. The problem is exactly the opposite -- they know too much about movies.
Let me give you an example: let's say you build houses for a living. When you walk through a house to size it up and see what it's worth, you're going to see every design and cosmetic flaw in that house. You'll see them because you know where to look, and you understand what you're looking at. After all, you build houses, too. But the average person might walk through that house and say "Wow, what a great house!"
A home builder would think less of a house because he knows how to spot the flaws. In the same way, movie critics think less of the movies because they know how to spot the flaws. Thus it's rare to see a movie with a higher critical score than user score.
What does any of this have to do with your business? Everything. In a previous post on avoiding perfectionism I talked about the need to just get things done well and get it out the door rather than trying to release an absolutely perfect product (there's no such thing).
What I'm talking about here is related. Just like perfectionism can prevent you from ever releasing a product because it's never quite perfect, over-analyzing can prevent you from taking actions that might benefit your business.
Jeff Stibel, the current Chairman and CEO of Dun & Bradstreet, put it very well in an article he wrote about analysis-paralysis:
Yes, wisdom comes from your gut. So when making a business decision, take in the amount of knowledge and data you can manage, then trust your gut to do its job. That approach has served me very well in my 7 years of Internet Marketing and product development. Each year has brought new and greater success than the last.
In a way I feel sorry for movie critics, because it's so much harder for them to enjoy a movie. Instead of just kicking back with some 'corn and a soda, watching the flick and having a good time, they're busy noticing every failed theatrical device and every minor mistake made by the cast. What a great way to ruin a wonderful pastime -- and your business, too!
Please post your thoughts and questions in a comment below.
Enjoy this article?
March 11th, 2011 - 02:03
I have been guilty of this, I have tried to be positive when doing reviews if it stinks you have to say to keep your honesty. If though it is a good tool I think what we really need to do is what will it help our audience with? What solution does it find and give an answer to? I know I used to be guilty of talking like the critic, now I find it better to look at it from someone using the product for the first time. Kind of like a kid does with a new toy.
March 3rd, 2011 - 06:19
I agree with you. It is me, when watching a movie, then I want to enjoy what is told in the movie, and instead of looking for bad things from the movie. When watching a movie we want to look for entertainment, right?, O yes, I really admire the Best Spinner, your great work.
March 1st, 2011 - 00:16
Jon,
This comment is going to be off-topic, but I am waiting for an article from you on latest algo change of Google.
Thank,
February 27th, 2011 - 17:06
Great article Jon! I have been overly critical on my websites and wondered too much instead of going with my gut instinct too!
February 27th, 2011 - 12:53
Interesting post John, I find myself over analyzing and have to look at the whole picture.
I love to watch movies but I don’t think I would want to be a movie critic. I always enjoying reading your blog keep it up.
February 26th, 2011 - 16:49
Hi Jon,
What a great analogy you’ve made about movies critics and marketers! I’ve been guilty of of over analyzing things and getting analysis paralysis. Once in a while it catches up with me and I have to fight against it to keep going. Action is the word! Thanks for the refresher!
February 26th, 2011 - 12:02
Though provoking. Nike says it best “Just Do It”.
February 23rd, 2011 - 12:04
Agreed. Perfectionism is worth than sloppiness in many cases. Because getting something done poorly is still better than not getting done anything. You got to deliver something in order to get results, and it’s easier to put something up and improve upon it rather than trying to get it perfect right from the start.
February 23rd, 2011 - 07:37
Jonathan. I know way too many talented people who have let perfectionism hold them back. thanks
February 18th, 2011 - 19:11
Hi Jonathan, great, great info. I’ve been struggling to get post out on my Blog, and on some of the ezines- one in particular that’s a real pain in the butt on things like correct punctuation and all that. Even with the two products I’ve gotten from you that are superb “The Best Spinner”, and “Instant Article Wizard” I find myself taking days to write one post, I even hired an ex-english teacher to edit my work.
Analysis paralysis is a confidence destroyer. I want to thank you for this post and I’m going to get on with my business.
Thanks
Gerald
February 18th, 2011 - 11:08
I think this applies to all ‘critics’, not because they’re more critical but because they’ve got a better eye than the rest of us.
February 17th, 2011 - 07:26
You have explained this very nicely with the perfect example. I too used to think why do critics always point out the flaws in a movie and think that most of the movies are crap. Now I understand it a bit.
February 17th, 2011 - 05:29
Hi Jon. Great article as always
Thanks for sharing another opinion.
February 16th, 2011 - 19:14
You are so great John.
This post is much related to what I’m experiencing now. You have some talent to guess people’s thoughts?
Your post is an enlightenment to me that comes on time.
Thank you very much.
February 16th, 2011 - 14:17
Another fab “clutter-busting” post from you, Jon. Thanks so much for your clarity.
February 16th, 2011 - 14:15
I love the Stibel quote about over-analysis destroying decisions, and that piling on more information squelches educated guesses. So very true. As a copywriter & designer, my work for clients has to be so well detailed but still easily understood. Thanks Jon – for helping to cut through the clutter – again! I really love your direct & hugely helpful posts.
February 15th, 2011 - 21:02
There’s definitely some great insights here, thanks for the post. I have to admit I could get a LOT more done if I lowered my quality standards
February 15th, 2011 - 22:58
The point of the post is not to lower your quality standards, but rather to recognize when you’ve done your best and to take action rather than continuously “tweaking” a project into oblivion.
February 15th, 2011 - 20:27
While you should not wait for perfection which as you mentioned is not attainable, however it is important to test using friends or family. You need to get feedback from people removed from the project who can be objective. Tweak your site or product before launch may help avoid a disaster.
February 15th, 2011 - 12:25
OUCH! — I mean — Exactly what I needed to read . . . . and it hits home in more than just business. Thanks!
February 15th, 2011 - 12:14
Hi Jon,
First time posting here. It used to really bug me when I’d be considering a movie to watch and go to rotten tomatoes for the reviews only to see it panned by the critics. To a certain extent it still baffles me but in the end I came to the same conclusion as you, just feeling sorry for them that they can’t just sit back and enjoy the damn movie.
Like the movie Middle-men, they tore it apart but the plot of the movie fascinated me so I went and watched it anyway. It was a really interesting and fun movie and I’m so glad I ignored their advice, just as I have done on some other films. To be honest I mainly go there because I like reading the witty and eloquent blurbs each reviewer has, and get a few points of reference, even if I don’t agree with them.
I probably wasted a year to 18 months “researching” IM before I actually did anything. And to be honest because I didn’t cement the knowledge I learnt by taking action on it, I reckon I forgot a lot of it. It’s so much more valuable and profitable to actually figure things out as you go along, and only read-up on things that you can put into action straight away.
February 15th, 2011 - 07:23
Jon,
Thanks for the reality check, there’s a lot of irony in this quest for success in internet marketing. It appears that the things we want most are the one’s needed least.
I think too many of us spend our time looking for new tactic’s and tools, giving this new thing and that new thing a chance and never getting started ourselves. Sometimes you “Just Do It!”
February 14th, 2011 - 23:13
Trusting your gut is always important because when you don’t you often see the consequences. Great post, Jon.
Linda
February 14th, 2011 - 22:34
I agree with you Jon. Since we only waiting and waiting to perfect, very suck. Just do it and wait what happen. Time is running and we have to do is going to something that works.
February 14th, 2011 - 21:59
Agree that ‘good enough’ is sometimes good enough.
But it depends on who you are dealing with. There are some people with inadequate standards. You have to have some people aim higher, and some people can aim lower.
February 14th, 2011 - 17:05
I was thinking, what if Bill Gates waited until Microsoft was working? =)
Thanks for your thought provoking articles Jon!
Regards,
Dave
February 14th, 2011 - 16:52
Very nice post Jon, as usual. I also face this problem. It is very easy to get organized, create lists. Then I look at the lists (work, home, etc..) and think to myself for 10 minutes, what is the best list to tackle first. I waste a lot of time thinking about what the best way to do something is, rather than just doing it. That’s why I like Nike’s slogan: Just do it.
February 14th, 2011 - 16:08
This is so true! If we went by what the critics say about movies, food, wine, etc., we would never try anything new. According to them, everything is bad. I think the reason that I enjoy so many things is because it doesn’t take all that much to impress me. Life is too short to be so critical. Lighten up and you will be a much happier person!
-Kelly
February 14th, 2011 - 15:07
Yeah, I’ve noticed the trend and find I ignore most critics, both movie critics and personal critics. Being an entrepreneur, I had lots of friends and family who meant well but were very critical of going in business for myself. “It’s too hard.” “You’ll go broke.” The only critic you should heed on a regular basis is your own internal critic/voice, and perhaps your spouse.
February 14th, 2011 - 13:53
Good post, Jon. Perfection is the enemy of completion.
February 14th, 2011 - 14:10
Well put.
February 14th, 2011 - 13:48
Your analogy reminds me of a situation at home. My wife loves to watch Gray’s Anatomy. I used to love to watch it but being a Master’s Degree RN with 18 years of experience, I see the numerous medical and situational flaws in the program and it pains me to watch it. My wife, on the other hand, has nothing to do with health care, so she fails to see any of the problems that I see all the time. So, she can watch the show and love it and I cannot because I can’t see past the “real” story. Same thing with marketing. A real pro like yourself, who has been making a good living at this for the last 7 years says, “just do it, it’s not that difficult,” because it isn’t for you because you got your foot in the door and have found the formula that works. The rest of us are still trying to get our feet in the door before it closes and most often, for me, that’s a very difficulty task. The nice thing about it is, I can do it and enjoy it because it’s NOT my main source of income. So, I enjoy it regardless of whether I make a killing at it or not. Just the learning process is fun.
February 14th, 2011 - 13:09
I totally agree with the underlying statement that an individual will always have their own value to a program / film / etc .
On the subject on over analysing – what we work on spend time on seems often to be trivial. Again so relative to the webmasters eye
February 14th, 2011 - 12:53
Hi Jonathan,
As a former perfectionist this post resonates with me. I get the point that thinking too much can hinder action and what brings the results are the actions that we take. Of course we all need to think and analyze but not to the detriment of doing anything. Once we have analyzed enough we need to get ourselves moving and do things. I especially like to work on my inspiration level – that helps me take even more action.
Now on another note- why don`t you have a social share button at the end of each of your posts?
That would make it much easier for us to tweet or facebook your writing. I was just wondering.
All the best,
Eren
February 14th, 2011 - 13:59
Thanks for pointing that out. My old social sharing plugin doesn’t work with the new version of WordPress apparently. I’ve installed a new one.
February 14th, 2011 - 14:17
Cool and I just tweeted your post. However I had to Google your name to find your Twitter handle to include that in there for branding so maybe you need to put your @jonathanleger in the settings of the tweet button somehow.
All the best,
Eren
February 14th, 2011 - 12:30
I like the way you use analogies that we can all relate to in your stories. Thanks Jonathan.
February 14th, 2011 - 12:17
Fear of failure is the old death trap that wraps itself in the guise of perfectionism… yo can never drive a nail into a piece of lumber perfectly / or ever the first time it takes time for growth and maturity to happen. Yet this only happens to who will return to the task of maturing the product, interest, relationship… perfectionism is total self-centered and self absorbed… Flying is great but landing is better…
February 14th, 2011 - 12:03
You are absolutely right, perfectionism is killing any of my attempts of getting anywhere online. How do you deal with that… Even if I try something not even remotely connected to my field, I’m still trying to make it perfect…
February 14th, 2011 - 11:55
Many years ago, I made the decision to simply enjoy movies and not learn too much about them. It allows me to be entertained rather than critical. I’m with you on the GET SOMETHING out and then work on it concept. Too often I do nothing b/c my list to get anything done is too long. Getting something out is really helping my production!
Thanks!
February 14th, 2011 - 15:54
Hi Theresa and Jonathan,
On a similar theme I once knew a professional press photographer who loved watching football matches. Someone asked him if he used his position to take pictures of his favourite football team and he always replied: “No, because if I was working I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the game!”
I am also fighting the urge to be a perfectionist and now have signed up to the philosophy that “done is good enough.”
Patrick
February 14th, 2011 - 11:36
The point you made about critics “knowing too much about movies” is absolutely right and sums it up beautifully. The one time where I feel this doesn’t apply is on gaming review websites such as Gamespot.com. Here, the critics reviews pretty much agree with the average users. So I guess it’s not a complete rule fo thumb across every industry.
February 14th, 2011 - 11:10
No comment on your blog post, it is great as usual.
But for the new theme, I think it is bit gloomy. Big name marketer like you should use dark blue theme to create the sense of trust and stability. Refer dearest Obama site ; )
February 14th, 2011 - 11:06
I love your posts and love your software! Thanks for the insight, gives me something to really think about.
February 14th, 2011 - 10:21
I’ve analyzed all theses comments and quite frankly I feel I no longer need to leave a comment.
Great Post!
February 14th, 2011 - 09:50
You take action, get the job going and follow-up, keep it going, don’t worry, everything with time can be tweaked to make it better.
February 14th, 2011 - 09:48
I have to ignore my ‘over-analysis’ tendencies to move forward…
But the difficult part is to continue to move forward – focused on one goal – before starting the next project.
PS What plugin are you using for the ‘reply’ function?
February 14th, 2011 - 10:07
No plugin. It’s built into wordpress 3.
February 14th, 2011 - 14:11
I just doubled-checked, and I was wrong. Replying to other people’s comments is a function of the LightWord theme, not of WordPress itself.
February 14th, 2011 - 09:31
Great points Jon. Too much analysis does cause paralysis and after over evaluating something, you may miss the cut for getting it posted. I’ve noticed that some topics are hot for a short period of time, the everyone’s off to something new.
February 14th, 2011 - 09:23
Great post.waiting for things to be perfect can make us to wait for ever,and to procrastinat things.There is not perfection in anything.
Thank you for the article
February 14th, 2011 - 09:18
I think most of us spend too much time making our blogs and websites perfect…which we never do. But, we spend so much time and most of it is wasted time…we could have been doing something more productive in our businesses. Thanks for the advice.
February 14th, 2011 - 09:10
I agree with what you’re saying, but I do have a comment on the analogy.
The critics LOVED the movie Sideways, and I thought it was terrible. I see that situation again and again.
I now avoid movies that critics love.
I like using the ratings on Netflix. They are pretty accurate.
February 14th, 2011 - 09:05
Hello John and thank you for the article on being over criticle over your own work, I agree with you and have been guilty of this myself, the problem is that it takes forever to get the work finished, so now I just give it the once over, and finish my project.
February 14th, 2011 - 08:56
Also, movies as well as marketers, deal with different audiences. What is great for one audience is terrible for another. So a movie, or a website” is not great in general, it is great for a particular customer. Matching your website and marketing campaign with the customer you hope to attract is the real trick in Marketing.
February 14th, 2011 - 08:42
Jon, i get tons of marketing data from the “gurus”. My son, David Risley, is also a guru. as are you. I listen to only two – my son – and you. Your emails to me are always appreciated and I always read them. I delete the others. You mail only when you have something to say and it is always of value. I wanted to drop you a line of thanks. I use your latest Wizard program and respect your products. I agree on perfectionism. I’m a Professional Engineer (oh, and I build homes
and really get what you say. If you’re a perfectionist you’ll put 80% effort out and get 20% ”out the door” – if not – 20% effort and 80% out the door. I’m a pianist. I get a song to 90% perfect and then learn a ton of them. Not 100% perfect and then only a few. You’ve reminded me – great article.
February 14th, 2011 - 10:24
I completely agree with Ken. I also delete all my other e-mails. I unsubscribed from them all but yours. I love to hear eveything you have to say and love your products. Great job!!!
February 14th, 2011 - 07:55
I believe that its not only that movie critics know too much about movies. Murdering the movie “sells” better than praising it. I read my favorite movie critics just for that! If the movie is really good then they’ll just drop a positive “hint”. I guess its part of their job, their critique persona if you like.
I’ll have to agree with your paralysis by analysis though…
February 14th, 2011 - 07:54
Thanks for the great content. Like commenting on this post. I have a fear of not being just perfect. Yep, trying to be perfect will surely limit your value to others and ultimately it can cause failure by inaction. Thanks helping us understand this, a problem that surely plagues most of us.
February 14th, 2011 - 07:06
Great analogy! Especially for people like me, relatively new to IM, there are sooo many offers of the latest greatest training, tool, trick it is easy to get caught up in “But what is the PERFECT way to do it?” Thanks for The Best Spinner and IAW – those ARE the best – and thanks for the reminder to just get content written and posted and backlinks completed and let the critics mind their own business. I’ll mind mine.
February 14th, 2011 - 07:03
Yes you are right Jonathan, but that doesn’t excuse some of the rubbish that we are subjected to more and more. If your product is sound and valuable a few typos really don’t matter. It is a waste of time to go on trying to perfect it.
February 14th, 2011 - 06:38
Your blog on imperfection is just ‘perfect’!
February 14th, 2011 - 06:38
This sums it up Jonathan and BEST advice I ever acted on.
“You Don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going.”
Did it work for me?
Retired under the age of 40 from 9-5.
Thanks for the awesome software.
To our Mutual Success.
.
.
February 14th, 2011 - 06:25
Perfectionism is truly something I struggle with. You’re right. Unlike email, once you submit a post, you can always go back and reedit. I’m struggling with that in my new blog. I need to get the words out and stop being a critic of what I write.
Thanks for the post.
February 14th, 2011 - 06:01
I think what you are referring to is called “the curse of knowledge”. Many marketers don’t realise that they are not their market.
February 14th, 2011 - 05:56
Analysis paralysis has been my biggest enemy. I have several websites out there but none of them are what I would consider “complete”. Something about each one of them is not to my liking so before doing much “promoting”, it just sits there taking up cyberspace while I analyze what should be done to make it better. Does everyone do this at some point in their online career? Love this format Jon and I always learn a lot from you
February 14th, 2011 - 05:49
Thanks for yet again a great post
What you say is so true and I’ve known it for a while now but I still havent followed through with the 2 products I have in mind. It’s always not the best time to start, wondering about how to present it – physical or downloadable though i am more inclined to do the physical via kunaki for several reasons.
The problem is because they”d be my first prduct and I am scared a little of being trashed by other peoples’ reviews etc which I feel may bring my little cred I have and kill off all chances of future success. Maybe its a trivial worry but its there and it kind of holds me back from coming out of working behind the scene.
Maybe there’s just one way of finding out… That’s to just do it and accept whatever comes out of reviews etc. Those are the guts I am meditating on right now :p
That was a great post that I can relate on just like you last one about perfection
Thanks
February 14th, 2011 - 04:49
the world’s full of critics!
the IM world needs a good flush up/ shake down???
anyway I havent read your blog cause frankly, no, maybe that should be jonathanly!,
I want to comment on your new blog theme…
I find it a bit too dark but the main thing is the font…
I cant read it from back here where Im sitting!
you may want to rethink that one!
cheers
an thnx for all the great software!
February 14th, 2011 - 03:52
I wonder what would happen if you let the critics themselves make a movie?! Or just to act as advisers…
February 14th, 2011 - 08:14
LOL. Good point. I wonder if they’re too afraid of what the other critics will say about it…
February 14th, 2011 - 03:23
Movie critics don’t experience the movie they critique, whereas the average Joe goes to a movie to experience and enjoy it. Same thing with house builders – it’s just a house but for the rest of us it’s a home.
One mentor I had used to say that in order to take action we must not succumb to analysis paralysis, but just aim, fire, fire, adjust aim, fire, fire, adjust aim, fire, fire…
February 14th, 2011 - 03:22
The challenge is to know when to actually come out of your blocks and start doing the stuff you need to do in order to succeed.
To early and you know dangerously little and you can burn your fingers. On the other hand I totally agree that over analyzing things leads to one thing: procrastination – which is the foundation of failure.
I like the Nike slogan – Just Do It ( don’t wait for perfection, it comes over time).
February 14th, 2011 - 04:03
Great advice Maartin. (don’t wait for perfection, it comes over time).
February 14th, 2011 - 03:16
Happy Valentine day!
Hi Jonathan, I must say you article is very provocative in the sense that it directs people to look at things in a different perspective. The analogy of believing in your gut goes with past experience.
One writer said,”the real voyage of discovery consists not in making new landscapes but having new eyes”-Marcel Proust
Thank you for the seed of wisdom!
February 14th, 2011 - 03:02
Hi Jonathan, I absolutely agree about not keeping refining and refining to try to get perfection before releasing a product/launching a site/publishing an article but I also think that we should NOT have a ‘that’ll do’ attitude. I think if we always try to put our best work out there, always do our best, that will be respected – sure we can improve on it later but not get paralysed into inaction because we’re not sure it’s good enough – if we KNOW we have done our best, IT IS good enough to launch!
Great new site look – did it have to be a black background though? It’s a bit gloomy and funereal!
February 14th, 2011 - 08:16
Absolutely Terry. I’m not recommending doing less than your best. In fact, if you read my post on avoiding perfectionism you’ll see that I advocate revising and improving after getting feedback from your audience. The problem comes when somebody doesn’t think their best is good enough, so they keep analyzing and tweaking to the point that the project never gets out the door.
February 14th, 2011 - 02:27
Reading this post should give you a very good idea of what is meant by and why you are often told to “Take Massive Imperfect Action” If it is wrong somewhere it can always be fixed but at least you have something out there and you will get more response than not having anything out there at all.
Gold we Glean.
Reg
February 14th, 2011 - 02:22
In the same way, magicians are mainly unable to watch another magician and see the performance in the same way that a non-magician sees it.
They’re looking for different things, and therefore often miss out on the entertainment by trying to spot technical flaws, etc.
February 19th, 2011 - 17:07
I used to be a magician, and I watched others for the entertainment. I want to be entertained!
February 14th, 2011 - 02:19
I agree with your overall commentary BUT it is the Negative that sells more sometimes than the positive. Crazy but true..
Anyway back on track…
“You don’t have to get things perfect, to make money” just ask people like the ex-homeless man.. Ted Williams
February 14th, 2011 - 02:07
Excellent post, It’s taken me over 20 years to finally tackle perfectionism. If I had taken more action and not worried about the outcome being so ‘perfect’ when I was in my 20′s, I would of been retired by now.
February 14th, 2011 - 02:05
I totally agree with your evaluation of nothing is perfect just get it done, double check your work and then get it out. Once it is posted you can always revisit your work and change and update it as needed. So many people just continue to go for perfection when very good will produce outstanding results. Thanks for your outline. Corine
February 14th, 2011 - 01:52
Instead of over analyzing someone needs to say. “Hey lets do this and see what happens” If it doesn’t work out you can always correct, it’s not the end of the world. Thanks for a unique perspective on the analysis paralysis problem.
February 14th, 2011 - 01:50
You are so right! Opened my eyes wide to my own flaws.
I’m beginning a new stream from buying a very low cost product. I knew instinctively that it was good and right for me.
Trust your gut!
February 14th, 2011 - 01:26
I have found that most movies the critics love are the ones I am not going to watch anyway. I might check to see what they said in the paper while I am looking for a movie to go see but never really pay them much attention. Besides if they say they don’t care for the movie I am thinking of going to see, 9 times out of 10 they are going to be wrong.
Now if the movie has been out for a while and I have friends who have seen it and say don’t waste your money, then I am probably going to wait till it comes out on Netflicks and see it then maybe.
Do I trust my friends point of view on a movie more than a critic, yes? Because like you said critics know way too much about movies and will tend to be harder on a movie because of it.
My friends on the other hand are going to be more honest, its their opinion I am trusting because we enjoy the same movies.
Most critics love over-done dramas anyway,which tend to bore the crap out of me.. lol
February 14th, 2011 - 01:26
Jonathan
Absolutely right. My one criterion for a good movie is that I enjoy it. Full stop.
But, if I knew heaps more about film making, perhaps I’d have more trouble getting the enjoyment.
On the other hand, though, when trying to run an online business I think more knowledge is a good thing. It’s like Michael Jordan and Joe Blow. Michael would always do better than Joe, and perhaps Joe wouldn’t even score a point. When you’re trying to earn money with IM, scoring points is extremely important, otherwise it just becomes an exercise in futility.
Paul Smith
February 14th, 2011 - 01:30
I agree that having knowledge is a good thing. My point is that you need to be careful that an excessive amount of knowledge doesn’t cause analysis paralysis. Absorb what you can and let your gut guide your decisions past that.
February 14th, 2011 - 01:23
Criticism is always there. No matter how perfect the work done, critics is always been there. You yourself even criticize what you have made. For without criticism, their is no perfection. Very nice article. It talks more of reality rather than those always talking of money. Thanks for posting this.
February 14th, 2011 - 01:13
This is why there is more and more social review sites, and Google Hotpot is a good example.
February 13th, 2011 - 23:51
You are absolutely right, Jonathan, on so many levels. We all battle with the idea of “perfect” and how we think that should apply to any number of things, hair, clothes, weight, marketing campaign, the “perfect” car….meanwhile while we are striving to find or make that perfection; time rolls on and sometimes we are left frustrated, zapped and our perception of that “perfect” we were looking for, was uniquely our own.
February 13th, 2011 - 22:42
Hi Jon,
I hear you, yes sometimes i listen to my critical self instead of jumping in and just do it.Now i read, absorb and apply and i find that i finished more work that way.
Thanks again Jon for your fine advice.
Terence
February 13th, 2011 - 21:48
You really hit me! I am guilty of over-analysis. It’s just like I was loaded with many ideas until I can’t start anything because I feel the system is not perfect yet. You’re right it’s now time to implement release it.
February 13th, 2011 - 21:32
I know exactly what you mean Jonathan when you talk about movie critics.
I’m a musician (keyboard and bass) with an arranging background in college.
I can’t listen to any piece of music country, rock,jazz, classical without tearing it apart in my mind. If yo put a gun to my head I could not listen to it as the “Big Picture” I’m into every instument analyzing and it bothers my when any body talks while I’m trying to listen to music. I catch myself trying make the perfect article and webpage (my bad) my 2 cents on the subject.
February 13th, 2011 - 20:03
Guilty as charged, though I am improving in leaps and bounds. I have also realized that I tend to get bogged down in diversionary details when lacking clarity. Receiving clear and complete, high-quality information like yours plays a major role in avoiding perfectionism as well as procrastination. It helps keep focused on the main goal.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency.
February 13th, 2011 - 19:35
Well said, Jon… to put this in perspective, I always found it funny to see stuff that sells for $7 on the Warrior Forum (they would be the ‘critics’ in this case) and is labeled as “too noobie” or “too high level” … while the exact same information can be sold via direct mail for $99 and people are LOVIN’ IT – ready to pay $XXXX for an upgraded coaching package after reading it. Try sell that coaching package on the Warrior Forum and you’d get very few, if any sales and a whole lot of “too expensive” posts. Knowing too much can definitely be your greatest weakness – find out how to reach the people at stage 1 and set your price.
February 13th, 2011 - 19:21
This is exactly why I like the approach provided by imdb.com where a movies rating is the ‘average’ of all the people that vote. In that way way it is very hard for a poor movie to rate well. And even better, if a movie does rate well it generally means that a great many people consider it so.
As far as reviews go people have a choice, either find a reviewer that consistently offers a similar opinion to you (in the case of movies that critic for me is Roger Ebert) or go with the average.
GuruBob
February 13th, 2011 - 17:30
Hey Jonathan, I love movies. Hadn’t my mother had different dreams for me, I would have probably become a movie industry something, instead of an architect… and today I am so glad. Movies keep me in touch with the richness of life while in other hours I slave away training people in not making the mistake you mention… lol
Great article. Thank you.
Sophie
February 13th, 2011 - 16:40
This is an excellent post. I think we can be stalled by “paralysis by analysis” – and it does take the fun out of what should be enjoyment. I once read an excellent bit of advice for webmasters. Remember – you are not designing a rocket ship! Just get the site up on the ‘net and then continue tweaking it!
Alan
February 13th, 2011 - 16:09
Great post! I need to apply this to my business….to get out of the analysis paralysis stage and just do it
February 13th, 2011 - 15:54
great article. One way I get over analysis-paralysis is by just starting the job I need to do. In my mind once it is started I know I have to finish it.
February 13th, 2011 - 14:51
Yope!……
Must take action at a time, eyes, ears, heart and mind wide open not to miss any ops to perfect your product on the way.
Come out !
February 13th, 2011 - 14:42
I couldn’t agree more. However, I too agree with some of the above comments saying that some situations require perfection. The surgery example is perfect.
My approach is to produce “good enough” work. My “good enough” efforts that do well, I then go back and improve them … perhaps even strive for perfection. This two step approach enables me to get plenty done and then spend the additional “tweaking” time on parts of my business that is already working at the “good enough” stage.
Great post – I like your brevity.
February 13th, 2011 - 14:30
When are you guys going to do a report on twitteringsoftwareandmarketing?
February 13th, 2011 - 12:49
I’m definitely a perfectionist type and it’s been a struggle for me to take that step back and look at my work from the perspective of the consumer…and really at the end of the day whether it’s an ad or just copy on a website nobody really reads everything word for word, no even me!
It’s these kinds of posts and analogies that put things into perspective. Definitely what a needed to read right now!
February 14th, 2011 - 01:37
Glad to hear it!
February 13th, 2011 - 11:56
Great post Jon,
kinda thinking about it before, but you were completely correct. TO much knowing could hurt.
Thank you
February 13th, 2011 - 10:47
Never thought about the movie critic vs. average user thing, but it makes sense.
I couldn’t agree more with you that perfectionism destroys results. I’ve run into it several times myself, but by being aware of it, I learn, hopefully
February 13th, 2011 - 10:40
Hi-This is right on. I find that myself in selling Real Estate. Every once in a while a buyer would have a friend (ex-builder) I call them the Pro from Dover–come over and he would start picking everything apart. Very frustrating to say the least–but yes over analysis can sometimes stop you dead in your tracks from doing.
February 13th, 2011 - 10:23
Excellent point Jonathon nobody else knows what your content is really supposed to say, so it doesn’t have to be perfect when article writing, just well written and grammatically correct and unique about the title of the article. Paralysis by analysis plagued me early on in my marketing career.
February 13th, 2011 - 10:19
When I started my first business many years ago, I jumped right in and was wildly successful. I learned as I went along, not waiting to know everything before I started.
Now, for reasons unknown, I am also paralyzed by analysis and think I need to know everything before I know anything.
Better to learn by mistakes, and as others have repeated, “Just Do It!”
February 13th, 2011 - 10:08
i like the Microsoft ‘point” get it right the third time. I usually send something I’m unsure off to a friend who will give me an honest opinion. Nothing is “perfect”.
February 13th, 2011 - 09:57
Awesome post Jon. It really does go along with your previous post. To be honest, I thought the post would be about something else when I read the headline but I was pleasantly surprised to see I was wrong.
You don’t post too often but when you do, it sure is something worth reading and learning from. Amazing job.
Thanks
February 14th, 2011 - 01:38
Thanks for that. I really appreciate it.
February 13th, 2011 - 09:56
Very good point Jonathan. It is difficult to keep “fresh eyes” and an open mind when doing the same thing over and over again. Excellent analogy.
February 13th, 2011 - 09:21
Hi Jonathan,
First…Thanks for IAW3! You really knocked it out of the ball park with this one. And thanks to your great help desk folks for their help too.
Very similar to the Movie Critic is the person who is entrenched in a “System”…never ask them, What do you think about my New System? Their advise will most likely come from a perspective of the “system” they are entrenched in and not from the possibility of what could be with the new system. In other words, be careful who you ask advise from.
Kim
February 13th, 2011 - 08:59
I oftentimes struggle with perfectionism when writing articles for my website and article directories. I spend too much time tweaking the articles and fixating on minor changes.
February 13th, 2011 - 08:55
How totally true. Great post Jonathan.
Analysis paralysis is the most common problem I come up against. It slows everyone down.
Ever wonder how much analyzing and too-much-knowledge slows down conversions too? I know your article is about getting products out the door, but the same affliction slows down potential buyers.
We constantly wrestle with clients who want to provide too much information in the landing pages. This makes the information overload go viral and infects their visitors.
That’s why I admire your landing pages. A quick video of the highest high points, a thousand testimonials, and a buy button. Cha Ching!
Thanks again great article on a Sunday morning…
Dwayne
February 13th, 2011 - 08:28
Great post Jonathan, and just when I needed it! I think we are all guilty of falling into the analysis-paralysis trap, I know that is exactly where I was when I decided to check out this post. Thanks for helping me snap out of it. Keep up the good work – much appreciated.
February 13th, 2011 - 08:09
Sometime it depend on the individual of what genre they prefer, and also the environment during the movie may effect the audience too
February 13th, 2011 - 07:51
Excellent point and why I don’t pay much attention to the movie critics or the Oscars. Movies are supposed to be ENTERTAINING! I’ve seen movies that the critics killed, but looked interesting to me and I had a couple of hours of fun!
But that’s how the critics make their pay, just like political analysts or whoever reviews things for a living.
If OUR potential customers see the same product from 10 different marketers, they will go with the one they feel they can trust and enjoy the experience as well. That generally doesn’t take much time or reviewing, it’s by their gut!
February 13th, 2011 - 07:40
I enjoy reading your post and I especially like reading the comments from the other folks on this page. Its very interesting to hear the view points of others. Thanks you guys for all your comments.
Striving for perfection, in the IM world or any world, can definitely lead to missing the crest of the wave. Not striving for perfection is not a free license to put out a shoddy product as quickly as possible.
Ken
February 13th, 2011 - 07:11
This is a major problem for me. I tend to to over-analyze everything. In my first career I was an engineer, so my life was data and facts. I’ve gotten better, but your column helps to remind me I good way to start my day. Great comments too.
February 13th, 2011 - 06:45
We should all look up to Microsoft, whose motto “Get it right the third time,” fully embraces the philosophy of avoiding perfectionism.
February 14th, 2011 - 01:40
It certainly has worked well for MS. I don’t think any sane person would try to debate their success.
February 13th, 2011 - 06:06
Agree very much with all you are saying here Jon.
Over analyzing can halt us in our tracks.
Best just to do the gut feeling action that you have,
get the golf clubs out and have a game of golf.
February 13th, 2011 - 05:17
This I cannot agree more. Well, they’re called critic for a reason – to criticize.
After all, their professionalism depends on the the number of criticism they are able to put on the table. Or at least that’s what we “common” people deem it to be…
February 13th, 2011 - 05:08
Great post Jon and you are absolutly right. Wanting things to be perfect and each and every part working is something a lot of us suffer from. Stepping over that and getting the notion of make it better along the way is not always easy but it’s beter as at the same time you get input from users.
February 13th, 2011 - 05:05
“The problem is exactly the opposite — they know too much about movies” – That is so true.
They lost their innocent to simply enjoy a simple good movie.
Thanks for the article.
February 13th, 2011 - 04:53
This just resonates so well… I once got some advice you only need enough information to logically justify yourself if it fails:
go with your gut…formulate the plan then act…act like you care…act like it matters.. take massive action once you’ve committed.
That way if it fails! It because you tried (plenty never get that far) the good news, the failure will happen fast so you can pack it in and move on with a valuable experience under your belt.
February 13th, 2011 - 04:42
I think the operative words are, knowledge and knowhow, as without them gut feeling is worthless.
It’s a bit like ‘common sense’ which when ‘analysed’ turns out to a commonly held belief but not sense at all, as it is based on ignorance and sometimes prejudice.
I do, however, agree with your general point that we can get too bogged down in the 100% perfect, nothing ever is!
I sometimes get criticised for over-complicating things, not necessarily internet or marketing related, by asking questions about statements made or stated beliefs as having to justify them can be difficult when placed under scrutiny.
February 13th, 2011 - 04:37
Great Post.
If I’ve ever watched a movie for a second time, I find myself doing exactly that – I tear it apart and wonder why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the first time.
I do agree, the good old gut feeling is the way to go and if that doesn’t work out, well, try another. As Thomas Edison said “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Thanks Jonathan
February 13th, 2011 - 04:33
Well Jon you made your point and I too have experienced it lately. I had some issues with somebody.
For months I have been deliberating what to do. What is this what if that, I wanted my argument to be perfect and day in day out I discovered(thought up) some flaws.
Then when the pressure was piling up I said “well if this is it let it be.” To my surprise Things came out the way I though they would initially. I spent months doing nothing but analyzed. Had I done what I had in mind in the first instance, I would have saved myself time, money and lots of nervousness.
February 13th, 2011 - 04:18
John,
Spot on and a very interesting post as to why being too critical can work against one.
I’ve just completed my first eBook and took far too long over writing it, partly because of worrying about how other people would see the flaws. In the end, I made myself stop and accept that it would never be perfect and to just as you say ‘get it out there’.
Some interesting replies above.
Churning out rubbish as quickly as you can is the opposite to taking forever (never?) to perfect a product, it is a question of balance.
Thanks for this post.
February 13th, 2011 - 04:01
Your blog posts are always a refreshing look on things. I love how you take IM and relate it to life offline. It really makes me put IM back into perspective! Thanks for keeping it about real people, and not just cash.
February 13th, 2011 - 04:00
I like your article,Its support me to Do Do Do and Do it again. yes… “Just Do It” don’t be afraid with critics.Like i wrote this comment,
Thanks .
February 13th, 2011 - 03:18
Great one. I know I also delves too much on perfection and just couldn’t get the guts to admit that I am one of those movie critics. Thank you for this post. A great one that left me thinking on how sometimes I have to just let it go and move on. Thanks Jonathan!
February 13th, 2011 - 03:07
This *is* so critical – and I suffer/ed a lot from perfectionism. Someday I found a nice quote (was it Mike Litman?) saying
“You don’t have to get it right,
you just have to get it going!”
And that gave me the first of the many kicks I needed and it got me started, but again and again I catch myself not publishing something, because it’s not yet perfect ….
February 13th, 2011 - 02:58
Great blog post. I really think that over analysis always slow a marketer down, instead of looking for more traffic, we will be stuck in one project or website because we want to make it perfect. But as you say, there is no perfect thing. And yes, like in the movies, it is like “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. We just have to show it to the world. Cheer!s
February 13th, 2011 - 02:41
I totally agree. I totally agree with your other post on perfectionism as well. Action is what’s needed and although we need to at times tread carefully its important to go with your “gut” as you said.
As for movie reviewers… hmmm, I never read what they write. Whats good for some won’t be so good for others and so on…
thanks for the food for thought.
BK
February 13th, 2011 - 02:13
Good post, this is something that I use to struggle with a lot. Also use to take things too personally when a product or service did not work out. Now it is a bit easier for me to release something. If it does not work out, I just move on to the next project. I found that you can’t hit a home-run with everything you do.
February 13th, 2011 - 02:13
Great post.
It is good to be accountable.
But not accountable for ruining something.
Instead, being accountable for living life the best you can.
Critics will find it hard to be happy because they’re too focused on the negatives.
And most of the time, they didn’t know that the negatives doesn’t have to be treated in the same light. In fact, they are best treated when a good light is focused upon it.
February 13th, 2011 - 02:02
A great reminder that perfectionism is the antidote to success and happiness.
February 13th, 2011 - 01:59
Spot on. I’ve come to know this as a fact over the years.
‘Terminator’ was determined by the critics to be too unbelievable for the public to accept.. wrong! It’s great Sci-Fi that has stood the test of time and put Arnold Schwarzenegger on the map as a super star.
The critics bashed ‘U2′, the rock band.. for being too unpolished.
I’m proud to say that I picked both of these as just what they became.. major box office hits. I pretty much stopped listening to the critics.
We walk a fine line between providing too much information, and not enough. Programmers tend to think everyone just knows how their stuff works.. they don’t. People can’t read your mind. They may be doctors, lawyers, rocket scientists, or plumbers and bodymen.. they may not programmers and won’t even try to figure out what you are trying to say. Such people need good, solid instructions or else your product(s) will leave a lot of money on the table.
I think good, clear, well written instructions are sorely lacking in the Internet world. Does anyone else smell opportunity here????
February 14th, 2011 - 01:41
Exactly. Bumble bees aren’t supposed to be able to fly according to the principles of modern aviation — and yet they still do!
February 14th, 2011 - 07:55
Good one Jon!
And now I see on AOL where a kid is missing major portions of his brain, like the part that accounts for mobility.. and other essential functions, and yet he has all of these intact!
So doctors are pondering this and are headed back to the drawing board to try and figure out ‘what the hey?’ Just when you think you know it all…
Here’s a question: What if God had waited until humans were ‘perfect’.. we’d all still be nothing more then a thought!
And that’s a great one about Microsoft.. “get it right the third time”. I’d say by about the third time all the major questions have been asked and there should be lots of data to work with.
February 18th, 2011 - 10:55
I totally agree with you about well written instructions, Dan. Several months ago I purchased a great software product, sort of a a super wordpress plugin that was very detailed and somewhat complicated to
install. The training was video after video and more videos. Sales were so
successful that the creators were overwhelmed with customer service tickets so they put up a product forum to try to take some of the pressure off.
Can you guess what people on the forum were screaming for? ….Written instructions would be the right answer. Many people do not learn well from videos, or they need written references to go along with the videos. The product creators kept promising PDF’s to go along with the videos, so I guess this was a case of getting something out and fixing it later. More than a few people threw in the towel and requested a refund.
I do not quiver with anticipation when I get an email that has something like ” Great Product! 23 Videos!” in the subject line. I regret not offering to do the PDF’s. Who knows, maybe I could have made a buck or two.
February 13th, 2011 - 01:50
There are times when perfection is required – I would require that of a surgeon operating on me, and great attention to detail. However, with a movie, if the “art” is not perfected and I get bogged down in the details then they have lost me. I want to be drawn along with the story and not stuck in bits and pieces of the movie, or play for that matter. I often disagree with the critics, as they’re looking for different things than I am. But in this case I’m the observer, not the one participating, as I am in network marketing. If I waited till I had everything perfect I’d never get started.
February 14th, 2011 - 01:42
True. There are some instances when perfection is desirable, but I’m talking about business in general, not life and death situations.
February 13th, 2011 - 01:36
Very insightful post, John. I was always wondering why movie critic reviews were always more negative than user reviews.
Now I know, and can apply this to my business.
Cheers,
Allen
February 13th, 2011 - 01:35
Hi Jonathan
I always thought that the movie critics taste was just not the same as mine, but I think what you say here is more to the point. The fact the many people try for perfection or over analyze everything costs them in their business results in the end.
Michelle Jayes
February 13th, 2011 - 00:54
I just tagged this bookmark “design inspiration”. I usually only reserve that tag for sites I come across that I find really appealing for some reason… in design, color scheme, layout, etc.
This is a good exception, though, as I need to remind myself to not sweat the small stuff. Most of the time I completely torture myself with so many small design details. Thanks for the reality check!
February 13th, 2011 - 00:53
Perfectionism can indeed preclude action-taking, but too often this is used as an excuse to justify poor quality work. It’s the business of The Critic, in whatever field, to identify weaknesses and strengths and offer a considered appraisal of a work, hopefully from a position of expert knowledge and discriminating taste born of wide experience in his speciality.
Of course, most of us would deny the existence of absolutes in matters of taste, but what we’re looking for when we read or listen to an established critic is his or her educated analysis and yes,opinion.
Ignorance might be bliss, but it can also mean you miss out on the richer experiences and achievements provided by a skilled artist, writer, director or whatever. Greater knowledge about a subject may allow you to see a work’s flaws, but it can also enable you to better appreciate its triumphs.
Apart from that, It’s not much good wandering through a house saying “What a great house!” if it’s going to fall down next time the wind blows. Optimism must be tempered with reality.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:49
This post is ironic to me because I have a big post-it note stuck on my computer monitor that reads…Just leave it already – It’s good enough!
No doubt that trying to perfect things is one my biggest time consuming flaws.
I especially find myself doing this when putting together niche sites, hence, the post-it note.
I’ve started to venture into the offline marketing arena this year.
The advice you give in your post will serve me well in this area.
That is if I can make a conscious effort to stop micro-analyzing everything.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:48
This is spot-on for all successful ventures. Action-takers will be definitely be rewarded more than a thinker.
Plan, execute, analyse, re-plan, re-execute, re-analyse!
Though there are many who Plan, Analyse, Re-plan, Re-analyse, Re-plan, Re-analyse and they keep doing these two things without doing any actual work. This really leads to paralysis.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:30
Thanks for emailing me! I was always wondering this as well and never really thought about why this happens.. Now i know
February 13th, 2011 - 00:20
Good analogy although in the IM product world I think clearly the roles / ratings are reversed. With the so-called “gurus” always talking about how the latest product is the best thing since sliced bread in their emails to their list(s) and the product buyers / end users talking about how they “got taken once again” with another “load of junk”.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:17
You are dead on!
Many of us are to critical in with the content we put out.
Keep it simple and consistent.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:17
You’re right Paul. I want to name a specific forum but I will refrain from doing so. I have seen posts within forums that discredit a product purely on conjecture and disconnected logic. Case in point, original content and duplicate content penalties. You definitely be discerning about who you listen to on a subject.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:08
Does this guy even realize that a critic is suppose to find things wrong with stuff? That’s what a critic is by DEFINITION.
What a reviewer does tell you what happens in an objective manner. He’s not supposed to be biased at all. That’s if he wants to be a reviewer.
So when you see that critics are negative you got that right they’re supposed to be.
Source: “Theater: The Lively Art” by Edwin Wilson and Alvin Goldfarb
February 14th, 2011 - 03:19
Totally wrong. A critic is not supposed to be “negative”. That’s just one definition of “critic”. They are also “Anyone who expresses a reasoned judgement of something”, and “A person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art”.
Many critics give highly positive reviews of movies or other works of art.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:02
Thanks for this great post and reminder Jon.
As the writer of the article we know the subject inside out. The reader doesn’t.
Keep it simple and just do it.
Love the new IAW. It makes life so much easier. Keep up the good work.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:01
Avoid being a perfectionist? Is that what you want us to take a look of? I’m totally agree with you statement of “Decisions are destroyed by over-analysis..”. Well done Jon. Another great post. Surely add a value somewhere in the internet life loophole.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:01
Good reminder on not being a perfectionist, thanks. Currently have dozens of articles and other refs in front of me (on second monitor!) threatening to paralyze my effort to write something unique! Right – just do it.
One point on movie critics though. I learnt long ago that Roger Ebert’s reviews suit my tastes fine. If he says something is worth seeing (or the opposite) I will take that as a reason to go, or buy the disk. Roger is not really a critic but more of a very reliable guide.
February 13th, 2011 - 00:01
As usual Jonathan another great post… you always seem to hit the hammer right on the head.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:56
This is a great post. This happens to me all the time. Over analyzing from all points of view and end up do nothing because when I analyze everything, ‘What If’s’ comes into play and usually the What If’s are negative and this prevents me from doing anything.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:55
Excellent post!
With all of the information swirling around out there it’s so easy to find yourself wondering if the action you’re about to take is the right one.
There’s so much conflicting advice and the majority of it is built around reframing market specific problems just to sell a product.
It took me a couple of years to learn the “hard way” what you’re talking about here, and hopefully you’re post will spare someone else the wasted time and money that comes from analysis-paralysis.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:54
Happens all the time in IM and it is frustrating. Recent example… I’m in a paid forum and someone shared how they were legitimately making about $18k a month with seo clients and they had built their business up over time. They shared a couple things they did to get clients, etc… (they weren’t selling anything, just sharing a success story) and then all the skeptics came in and said why it wouldn’t work.
I was like… what do you mean it won’t work?! They’re already making $18k a month! You -can’t- say it doesn’t work, you just don’t ‘get it.’ I find IMers do this type of thing all the time. They think they know it all and tear stuff down they’ve never tried and they don’t realize they don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m -very- careful who I take advice/input from in the IM world. You’d all be wise to do the same.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:53
Cool analogy. Indeed, it is one of the problems in IM world, as we learn too much before we take action and then, suddenly, something new comes out, and we start to learn again.
Is it really about knowledge? Or it is more to do with fear and frustration that action can bring if something goes wrong?
Who knows?!
Kind regards,
Peter
February 12th, 2011 - 23:52
That was a great way to explain your point Jonathan. I never really understood how movie critics could make a living anyway, movies can be interpreted many different ways. It’s all about what each individual gets out of it. However, I am grateful I never had a problem with taking action. Like they say at Nike,”Just Do It!”
Thank you and God bless.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:52
I was thinking along these lines earlier this week. I think it all boils down to a couple of simple phrases… “just do it” and “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
Cliches they may be, but are eternal in their truth.
Great thought-provoking article, Jon!
February 12th, 2011 - 23:48
Nice post, as usual Jon. I see people hold themselves back all the time by thinking that everything has to be perfect before they pull the trigger, so to speak. They do it in business, and in the game of life as well.
The paralysis of analysis can put a real damper on confidence levels as well. If you analyze something enough, doubt will inevitably creep in to your thinking, and before you know it, you talk yourself out of a perfectly good idea or venture.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:48
Great post Jonathan. I recognise the problem – and luckily getting rid of it. Perfectionism is like a rat on the running-wheel! Moving all the time – day inn day out – and not getting anywhere.
Maybe one reason is FEAR, fear to get critic: that’s why we easily over analysze. “What if somebody don’t like what we are doing/writing, what if it’s some false details…” and so on…
And when you find movie critic who likes the movie… oh, she/he is bribed on movie company
.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:47
Great post! Sometimes I try way to hard to get it perfect and should get it done as you say. Love the critic analysis as well. Thanks for posting this.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:40
Good point!
I never thought of your analogy.
Now I have a new perspective, about
several different things.
Thanks.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:35
Movie Critics.. maybe as admired as insurance or car salesman.. we are all influenced by them but in he cold light of day we know what we like and dislike.. be it a insurance policy, new car purchase.. or movie!
Regards
Alan Chapman
PS – I always thought like and dislike is a “gut” feeling!
February 12th, 2011 - 23:33
Hi,
Writing a review is the hardest thing for me to do.That’s why the niche i picked is something i know about.You not only have to write something interesting but not cram the review with keywords.Your article is great.
February 12th, 2011 - 23:31
That’s an interesting take on critics. I missed your post on avoiding perfectionism. Thanks!
February 12th, 2011 - 23:30
Great Post Jonathan! I 100% agree with you! I find myself over analyzing at times but have to stop myself and say that the average person won’t notice the minor details but the overall picture. Thank you for this post.
And I’m glad I’m not a movie critic as well I love watching movies too much
February 12th, 2011 - 23:28
If my memory serves me correctly, “My Dinner With Andre” was given high scores by the critics but regular people like you and I thought it was a waste of time…. But I have to agree with you… I have had ugly sites convert better than my attractive ones!
February 12th, 2011 - 23:27
I’m really glad that I took the time to read this article. It was short and to the point, just like I like ‘em! I heretofore thought that the best way to be successful in your business was to spend painstaking hours creating a flawless product and to have flawless content and service. But this makes so much sense! I’ve got a new business and have just started out for the first time, so I feel like this article has saved me a many wasted hours and headaches! THANKS
February 12th, 2011 - 23:25
This is another excellent post, Jonathan. I know way too many talented people who have let perfectionism hold them back. Instead of comparing themselves to what’s currently on the market, they compare themselves to geniuses in the field, and then they don’t think they are good enough! It’s a crazy way to think, but it’s extremely widespread. The people who really “make it” are the ones willing to get their work out there AND promote it!
February 12th, 2011 - 23:23
Ha, great point. analysis paralysis is one of my biggest enemies but I’ve gotten better at defeating it. Thanks for providing another way to look the problem.