Done is better then nothing

June 30, 2011
Filed under Opinions

By Brooke Stobbe

“Perfect is the enemy of the good.” I shamelessly admit that I meditated on this quote for a while before I fully understood it’s true meaning Voltaire exposed.

After attending three days at Newsroom by the Bay, I’ve repeatedly heard the phrase “done is better then nothing.” Does this mean if I were to fall asleep right now, defiantly neglecting this blank document, it’d be worse then scribbling down a few erratic sentences about today’s meals?

I suppose a cynic could take the basic idea literally and just write a few hundred words about their lunch meat, but during those few minutes I spent contemplating Voltaire, I drew a connection to NBTB’s reoccurring slogan.

I’ve had a unique position at this camp, and haven’t exactly found my niche. I’ve had the privilege of walking the line between submission and authority as the programs first ever Counselor in Training.

I began this week briefing with Team Leaders, and received a list of last names that I was to assist and encourage this week—I’m a Team Leader. Done. Day two rolled around, and I was taking classes, eating, and laughing with those same last names—I’m a camper. Done. Once the teams began reporting, I had coffee with the leaders, and I’m once again accepted into the Team Leader clique. Done.

I’m not exactly a perfectionist, but I’m a 100% people pleaser. I came to this camp with the mentality that my performance at this job, that had no guidelines, boundaries or expectations, had to impress the directors–my best is good enough.

Perfect is the enemy of good. Help my best at team meetings and work hard during team reporting? Done. Instruct and create my website to the best of my abilities? Done. Be the best Team Leader for my team and the best camper for my leader? Done.

So yes, done is better then nothing.