90% of the functionality delivered now is better than 100% delivered never.

90% of the functionality delivered now is better than 100% delivered never.

Brian Kernighan

The quote “90% of the functionality delivered now is better than 100% delivered never” emphasizes the importance of timely progress over perfect outcomes. It suggests that getting something done and into use—even if it’s not entirely perfect—is more valuable than waiting indefinitely for a flawless product or solution that may never arrive.

**Understanding the Quote:**

1. **Timeliness vs. Perfection**: In many fields, especially in technology and development, waiting for every detail to be perfect can lead to stagnation. By focusing on delivering a significant portion of what is needed (90%) sooner rather than striving for complete perfection (100%) that might delay everything indefinitely, teams can make meaningful advancements.

2. **Incremental Improvement**: Delivering partial functionality allows users to start benefiting from what’s available right away. This incremental approach enables feedback collection and iterative improvement—meaning developers can learn from real-world usage and adjust features based on actual needs rather than assumptions.

3. **Risk Management**: Delaying projects in pursuit of perfection can increase risks, as market conditions change or competitors advance while you wait. By releasing something functional earlier, you mitigate risks associated with being obsolete or outpaced by others who are willing to take action sooner.

4. **Motivation and Morale**: Completing tasks—no matter how imperfectly—can boost morale within teams by providing a sense of accomplishment and momentum towards future goals.

**Applications in Today’s World:**

– **Software Development:** Agile methodologies embrace this concept by delivering software in sprints, allowing companies to release usable products quickly while continuing to improve them based on user feedback.

– **Startups:** New businesses often focus on getting a minimum viable product (MVP) into the market quickly instead of developing a fully-featured offering first. This strategy helps validate their idea with real customers early on.

– **Content Creation:** In an age where information spreads rapidly online, content creators often prioritize publishing over perfection; they understand that regular engagement is crucial for audience growth rather than waiting weeks or months to share polished content.

**Personal Development Application:**

1. **Skill Acquisition:** When learning new skills—be it cooking, playing an instrument, or public speaking—it’s more beneficial to practice regularly even when you’re not yet proficient than it is to wait until you feel completely ready before taking action.

2. **Goal Setting:** Individuals can focus on achieving smaller milestones towards larger aspirations instead of delaying until they feel fully prepared or knowledgeable about every aspect involved in reaching their ultimate goal.

3. **Habit Formation:** Establishing new habits often involves starting small; people might commit temporarily rather than aiming for an ideal version right away—for instance, exercising just once a week rather than planning an ambitious daily regimen that’s hard to maintain from the outset.

In summary, this quote serves as a reminder that progress matters more than perfection across various domains—from work environments like tech development down through personal endeavors such as skill-building or habit formation—and encourages us all not just to act but also adapt along our journeys toward improvement.

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