It is rumored that Mark Twain once said, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” Whether or not those were his exact words, the message still rings true.
How often do we postpone creative projects, avoid trying new things, or hold back from taking that first step because we feel unprepared? We tell ourselves we’ll start when the timing is perfect, when we’re more skilled, or when fear no longer lingers. But the reality is, perfect never comes. The perfect moment is a myth that keeps us locked in hesitation.
In Buddhism, there’s a saying: “There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” This speaks directly to our tendency to freeze at the beginning, paralyzed by self-doubt or overthinking. What if, instead of demanding perfection, we simply embraced movement? What if starting—however imperfectly—was the real victory?
Mistakes and setbacks aren’t failures; they’re teachers. Every misstep offers a lesson, shaping our resilience and helping us shed the ego’s grip on “getting it right.” As Zen master Shunryu Suzuki reminds us, “Each of you is perfect the way you are … and you can use a little improvement.” This paradox invites us to accept ourselves fully while still striving to grow.
Progress is rarely linear. Sometimes it’s two steps forward, one step back. But each small act of effort compounds. Even a tiny shift today can ripple into profound transformation over time. “Drop by drop is the water pot filled,” says the Dhammapada. “Likewise, the wise one, gathering it little by little, fills oneself with good.”
This is the essence of continuous improvement: honoring the journey over the destination. When we release our attachment to outcomes and focus on the process, we begin to move with flow rather than against it. Each attempt—successful or not—becomes a thread in the fabric of our growth.
So don’t wait for perfection. It doesn’t exist. Start where you are, with what you have, and take the smallest possible step forward. Adjust as you go. Life will meet you with opportunities for course correction. As the Buddha taught, “There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” The same applies to mastery, creativity, and personal evolution.
The journey is not about flawless execution. It’s about showing up—again and again—and trusting that each effort, each moment of presence, leads you closer to your fullest potential.
Namaste