Ever heard of the 90-10 Rule (sometimes also called the 80-20 Rule)? The saying goes like this: It takes ten percent of the time to do the first ninety percent of the work – and ninety percent of the time to do the last ten.
This expression alone probably goes a long way towards explaining laziness, if you think about it. In a world of mean and mediocrity, to all those who never get to 90% of anything, ever (am I being overly harsh here?), it must seem like that last 10% is hardly worth the additional effort. And effort it is.
And you know what? Sometimes I think they're right! I mean, 90% is what – an "A-/B+" right? If all you've ever gotten (or cared enough to get) is a "C," then getting into these rarified airs must seem just fine.
Which brings me to another expression that should leave you very afraid when you think about how much we rely on regulatory agencies for our safety (such as they are in the post-Bush era). Can you say Gulf Horizon Disaster? Ahem. It goes like this: Good enough for government work.
I first heard a buddy's dad use that expression as a kid. It always stuck with me, though I never understood it till much later. Nowadays, when I think about the fact that his father was a nuclear reactor technician, it's enough to give me the shivvers. But I digress...
Now, when you're talking to or about maniac perfectionists like most of us serious-minded creatives are, you have the opposite problem. We can take that last 10% (the one that's supposed to "only" take 90% of the time?), and turn it into 150%! Or 200% Or a heck of a lot more! Trust me on this. I should know, because I'm often one of the worst offenders (and my own worst enemy too, I should add).
I call it "noodling."
It can eat up huge, enormous and even stupendous amounts of time. We often spend time well past the point where the client could or would ever conceivably notice the difference. But to us it matters, because we can see it! Call it commendable or call it crazy. Maybe it's a bit of both.
But, as I've often said to my troops over the years... if you're an artist, more likely than not you're a perfectionist. You want things "just so." The trick is learning to "just say no" to your own noodling tendencies. Believe me, it's a lot harder than it sounds.
OK. So you're probably wondering... what the hell does this have to do with me? Well, I'll tell you...
• First, if you're a buyer of creative services (written content, graphic design, video production, etc.), it means you had better learn patience. Because quite often, yours will be tested!
When you're dealing with any sort of creative, you've got to keep the perfectionist streak in mind and deal with the 90-10 Rule. Sometimes we get so wrapped around "perfecting" our creations that we lose track of time, space and everything else. It's another reason we have this thing called deadlines (oh, and Account Managers).
Which leads me to another old saw: If it weren't for deadlines, nothing would ever get done.
True enough.
But we still hate them!
• Second, if you're busily involved in any kind of creative endeaver – even if you don't consider yourself "a creative" – keep the 90-10 Rule in mind.
Constantly ask yourself, is 90% good enough? A lot of times it is. But if you decide only 100% will do, then make a plan, set a deadline and stick to it. Otherwise, you may find yourself (or your assistants) lost in what I call "Noodle Land" forever!
Agree? Disagree? Think I'm nuts? Go on, tell me whatcha think, Hoss!