Method

Intentionally make the first version bad

Instead of waiting to start perfectly, intentionally make a first version that's bad — accept that first things are always crap, and use it to build momentum. Watch that perfectionism doesn't inflate a simple idea into an unachievable project.

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Perfectionism coupled with procrastination blocks the start. Worse, perfectionism inflates scope: by adding ‘what would make it better’, within a week you turn a simple idea into a huge, unachievable project that becomes overwhelming and you never start it. Flip it: tell yourself plainly ‘today I’ll do this and it’ll be crap — and that’s okay’, ship the first minimal version despite the embarrassment, then improve the next ones. Accepting a bad result removes the entry threshold, and acting itself builds momentum. When you catch yourself expanding the idea, deliberately return to the simplest doable version you can start with.

Helps with

Resources & links

1 source

Dad V Girls
- 12:11 How ADHD Affects His Marriage — Dad V Girls (perfectionism inflates)
- 12:56 How ADHD Affects His Marriage — Dad V Girls (make it crap)

What the research says

Scientific grade verified against the literature. No entries = no direct studies (graded from mechanism/experience).

What the grade means

A A — strongest evidence: meta-analyses or RCTs directly confirm it works (or, for diagnostic tools, strong validation of accuracy).

B B — good evidence: a single RCT, or a strong mechanism with supporting studies.

C C — weak / preliminary: a plausible mechanism, but few direct, controlled tests.

D D — no evidence: theory or isolated anecdotes, no studies.

Applies to: ADHD AuDHD