In a world obsessed with perfectionism, I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing badly. Why? Is it because I have something against doing things well? No, not at all. It’s just that doing something badly is better than not doing it at all. Because life, especially for neurodivergent people like me, is far from perfect, and full of challenges. For us, and for anyone willing to admit it, anything worth doing is worth doing badly.
It took me years to train my mind to accept this philosophy. I used to think this sentiment, popularized by G.K. Chesterton, was a clever quip for those who couldn’t hack life. But over time, I’ve realized how deeply wise and freeing it is. It’s a reminder that the value of an action isn’t in its perfection but in the doing itself. And believe me, this philosophy can be life-changing.
The Myth of Doing Things “Right”
From a young age, we’re taught that if you can’t do something right, don’t do it at all. This mentality is especially damaging for people who live with disabilities or are neurodivergent, where “right” often translates to “able-bodied” or “neurotypical.” What happens when “right” isn’t accessible?
Take my own experience. I live with depression and anxiety, conditions that often render even basic tasks monumental. For the longest time, I avoided doing things unless I could guarantee success. The result? A life paralyzed by fear and perfectionism. Dreams like publishing my first book remained dreams for years because I wouldn’t allow myself the space to fail.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the idea of perfection is a construct, one that excludes people like me. For a neurodivergent person who struggles with executive functioning, loading one dish into the dishwasher might be a victory. For someone managing chronic pain, showing up to a yoga class—even if they leave halfway—counts as a win. Because, hello! You’re trying your best, aren’t you?
Progress Over Perfection
The beauty of doing something badly is that it prioritizes progress over perfection. It creates room to try, to learn, and to grow. For example, as a writer, the blank page can be terrifying. If I approached every piece thinking it had to be perfect from the first sentence, I’d never write a word. Sometimes, my writing is messy and chaotic. However, messy writing can be revised, and chaotic thoughts can lead to clarity. The important thing is that I made an effort to write.
This applies to anything, from relationships to hobbies to managing your mental health. Is a meditation practice that only lasts three minutes worse than not meditating at all? Does a poorly sung lullaby matter to the baby who just wants to hear your voice? You know the answers, don’t you?!
Redefining Success for Ourselves
Disabled and neurodivergent people are often forced to operate within systems that weren’t built with us in mind. These systems define success within the narrow confines of high productivity, peak performance, and flawless execution. But what if we defined success differently?
For me, success often looks like this:
- Getting started. Even if I don’t finish, the effort counts.
- Being consistent. Showing up imperfectly is better than not showing up at all.
- Celebrating small wins. Did I only write 500 words today? Cool. That’s still progress!
- Honoring my limits. Knowing when to stop isn’t failure; it’s self-compassion.
Redefining success is empowering because it allows us to acknowledge and celebrate our unique ways of moving in the world. Our world treats neurodivergent people as though their experiences are only valid if they meet conventional standards. This mindset fuels ableism and erases the value of diverse ways of being. When we embrace the idea that it’s okay to do things badly or imperfectly, we create space for *everyone* to explore and grow without fear of judgment.
How to Embrace the Power of Doing Things Badly
Here are some ideas to help you start embracing the idea of doing things badly:
1. Focus on the why.
Why are you doing this? For example, if the goal is personal growth, self-expression, or connection, remind yourself that none of these require perfection.
2. Shift your perspective.
Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re feedback. They tell you what worked, what didn’t, and what you can try next time.
3. Be kind to yourself.
Celebrate the fact that you tried. On hard days, trying is a radical act.
4. Create low-pressure rituals.
Build practices where the stakes are low—like doodling instead of making “art” or freewriting instead of crafting a masterpiece.
A Lesson for Everyone
While this post focuses on the experiences of neurodivergent people, the lesson applies universally. No matter who you are, life is full of things worth doing—poorly, if necessary. Reaching out to a friend, learning a new skill, trying to live sustainably, or even tidying up your space doesn’t have to be perfect to MATTER. Your effort matters irrespective of how imperfect the outcome is.
If we allowed ourselves the grace to do things badly, we’d discover that so much is possible. We’d move forward instead of standing still, caught in the traps of perfectionism and analysis paralysis.
So, the next time you hesitate to try something because you fear you won’t do it well, remember this: the act itself is enough. In the mess, in the effort, in the glorious imperfection of it all—you’re already succeeding.
Let’s stop letting perfectionism rob us of joy. Let’s dare to try, even if we stumble. After all, anything worth doing is worth doing badly—because doing it badly is better than not doing it at all.
Here’s to living fully, imperfectly, and authentically. Remember: you don’t have to be perfect, you just need to show up.
What would you try if you knew it didn’t have to be perfect? Maybe it’s a creative project you’ve put off for years. Perhaps it’s reaching out to someone and risking an awkward conversation. Or it could be something as simple as giving yourself permission to take a break and get some rest. Figure out what you have been putting off for years, and get started on it TODAY :)
