Designed Life Challenge day 10
Designed Life Challenge, Day 10
The Art of Good Enough
Writing prompts:
What project are you currently stuck on? If you had to complete it by tomorrow, what would you prioritize and what would you let go?
Write about the difference between “beautifully finished” and “perfect.” What does each mean to you?
What would you create if you knew ahead of time it wouldn’t be perfect? How would this change your approach?
Vault:
Where is that Point?
Perfection is a tricky concept. It’s what we aim for, yet it often remains just out of reach. In design, and in life too, there’s always something that could be refined, polished, or improved. But at what point do we call a project “done”? Today’s challenge explores the delicate balance between striving for excellence and knowing when to step back and say, “This is beautifully finished.”
Knowing When to Move Forward
I don’t have projects that I feel truly stuck on. If something was meant to be abandoned, I’ve already let it go. I manage multiple projects at once, shifting between them fluidly. Right now, I have four projects in progress and two more on the horizon. By tomorrow, I know I will complete at least part of one of them. The key is prioritization, knowing what to refine and what to let be.
If I had to finish something by tomorrow, what would I let go? Maybe a few minor details. But not much. My workflow is structured so that no project lingers unfinished longer than it needs to.
Beautifully Finished vs. Perfect
I see other designers’ projects and think, That’s beautifully finished or That’s perfect. But with my own work, there’s always that feeling, just 5% more, just a little polish. That last stretch of refinement separates “beautifully finished” from “perfect” in my mind.
The funny thing is, from an outside perspective, my work might already be at 100%. Maybe the feeling of almost being done is what keeps me pushing forward. Maybe the pursuit of perfection, even knowing it’s unattainable, is what elevates a project from good to exceptional.
Creating Without Perfection
Would my approach change if I knew something wouldn’t be perfect?
The truth is, I never expect perfection. I aim for it, but I also accept that it’s a mirage, an ideal to chase, not a destination to reach. Artists like Brâncuși came closer than most, distilling form down to something pure and essential. He had a gift, a vision of perfection that he spent his life pursuing. I see myself as a different kind of dreamer.
For me, the beauty lies in the process: the refinement, the iteration, the push toward something better. The art of design isn’t about achieving perfection, it’s about knowing when to step back, let go, and call something done.
Reflection
Perfection is a moving target, always just beyond reach. But maybe that’s the point. It keeps us striving, refining, improving. The challenge isn’t in making something perfect, rather it’s in knowing when it’s good enough. When the essence is there, when the vision is realized, and when the work stands on its own, that point is when a project is truly finished.
Every design decision, big or small, shapes the way a space feels and functions. But how do you make those choices with confidence? Day 9 explored instinct, experience, and the delicate balance between creative vision and practical execution. If you haven’t read it yet, take a look and reflect on how trusting your instincts can elevate your work.
If you’ve ever found yourself abandoning personal projects or struggling to complete something meaningful, Day 8: The Completion Mindset might just give you the perspective shift you need. Explore why some projects stay unfinished, how to recognize what’s truly worth completing, and when to let go without guilt.
Feeling inspired? Before diving into completion, revisit Day 7: From Inspiration to Action and explore how small steps can lead to big creative shifts.
Have you ever followed your gut instinct in design and seen it pay off? Day 6 of the design challenge explores the balance between intuition and external influences, questioning how much we trust our inner voice when making design choices.
Curious about how personal rules shape creativity? Reflect on your design instincts with Day 5’s Challenge and uncover how they influence your spaces.
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