Perfectionism hinders time management. Which approach helps maintain momentum?

• A. Strive for perfect results in every detail.
• B. Delay tasks until you can complete perfectly.
• C. Eliminate reviews entirely to save time.
• D. Adopt a good-enough standard, set minimum viable outcomes, and schedule checkpoints.

Answer: (D)

Perfectionism slows progress because it shifts focus from finishing tasks to polishing every detail, which can cause you to stall and run out of time. The approach that keeps momentum is to work toward a good-enough standard, define minimum viable outcomes, and schedule checkpoints.

Think of it this way: set what “done” means for each task, not what would be ideal. Decide the essential elements that must be present for the outcome to be useful, and aim for results that meet that minimum. This prevents endless refinishing and keeps you moving forward. Then, build in regular checkpoints—short, scheduled reviews where you assess what you’ve completed, what still matters, and whether you need to adjust the plan. These checkpoints create accountability, provide quick feedback, and allow small, manageable course corrections without derailing progress.

This combination—practical quality, minimum viable results, and planned reviews—keeps tasks advancing in a steady rhythm, which is what maintains momentum. In contrast, chasing perfect results slows everything down, waiting to start until perfection is possible delays work, and skipping reviews removes guidance that helps you improve without overhauling entire efforts.