Depression, overthinking, restlessness, mood off — these are real. They affect not just mental health but the body too. Often we are stuck because we have nothing to do, or because we have too many things to do. In both cases, the way out is the same: execute the next best thing. Over-planning kills joy. I am not talking about corporate phrases like “delivery over perfection.” I mean real life. Execution works. It is a remedy to feel content and to get unstuck.
Exercise is the simplest proof. A walk, a run, weights, anything — you always notice how you feel afterwards: content. Because you didn’t think about exercise; you executed exercise. One day of exercise won’t give you your dream body — which is exactly why many people avoid it. We attach the process too strongly to results. If you keep expectations close to zero, you might actually enjoy the process. You allow yourself to execute freely, with imperfection. I am not over-emphasizing exercise — the point is about doing over planning.
Imperfection should be embraced. Perfection is society’s idea, not nature’s. In nature, things simply are. They don’t “try” to be perfect. Similarly, execute what you want without demanding a perfect result. If you want to write a poem, pick up a pen; if you want to film, start the camera; if you want to code, open the laptop; if you want to paint, buy a cheap kit. In today’s world of social media, perfection has a template for everything. Make sure you are not picking something because you want to match that template. Do it because it is your inner voice. If the inner voice keeps returning, it means you have to act. Unstuck yourself.
Many times you won’t get anything out of it — and that is learning too. You will learn what is not for you. Life is short; it cannot be full of regrets. It is about the chances you take, not the perfect chances.
I heard a story once: A Japanese boy in the 12th century wanted to become the world’s greatest samurai. He read everything, remembered every legend, preached to others, motivated them. His knowledge was perfect. But years later, his friends — the ones he used to teach — became better warriors than him. They practiced every day while he preached. They improved their craft while he stayed in his head. Don’t be that boy. Be the friend who shows up and practices.
The urge to bring change into society is hard to control once you have seen the truth. But begin with yourself. Practice everything on yourself. Be occupied with the work so deeply that you don’t have time to preach. Let the work itself give satisfaction. Inspiring others is a bonus. Be imperfect. Be quick to fail. Failing fast is still far better than not trying at all.
Stop trying to perfect the path.
Start taking steps.
Clarity comes from movement, not thinking.
If you want progress — emotional, physical, or creative — forget perfection.
Do the next thing. Then the next. That’s how life starts changing.
I once made a short film called Idea. It’s about someone who keeps thinking of ideas while the execution sits right in front of them. Go watch it here.
