The Power of Shitty First Drafts: Why Imperfect Action Wins Every Time

The Power of Shitty First Drafts: Why Imperfect Action Wins Every Time

Ever had a great idea but never acted on it because it wasn’t "perfect" yet? Maybe you’ve been sitting on a business plan, a new service offering, or even a social media strategy—waiting for the moment it’s 100% polished before putting it out into the world.

Here’s the truth: perfection is the enemy of progress.

And that’s why I swear by the power of the “shitty first draft.”

Why Shitty First Drafts Matter

A “shitty first draft” (SFD) is exactly what it sounds like—the messy, unrefined, not-quite-there version of your idea, plan, or business. It’s the first attempt that lets you get everything out of your head and into the real world.

And guess what? That’s the hardest part.

Too often, people stay stuck in the thinking phase, waiting until they have all the answers before they start. But action beats overthinking every single time.

Here’s why SFDs are powerful:

1. They Get the Ball Rolling

The biggest obstacle to success is inaction. The moment you put your idea on paper, create a rough draft of your offer, or sketch out your business model—you’re already ahead of 90% of people who never start.

2. They Give You Something to Improve

You can’t refine something that doesn’t exist. An SFD gives you a starting point, something tangible to tweak, refine, and build upon. You can’t make something better if it never leaves your head.

3. They Silence the Inner Critic

Perfectionism is a dream killer. When you give yourself permission to write a “shitty first draft,” you remove the pressure to get it right immediately. It’s about progress, not perfection.

4. They Invite Feedback & Growth

A rough draft—whether it’s a business plan, marketing strategy, or a bold new idea—allows you to test, get feedback, and pivot if needed. The faster you get something in front of the right people, the faster you learn what works.

Real-Life Wins from Shitty First Drafts

  • The best businesses didn’t start with a flawless plan—they started with an idea that was tested, refined, and adapted along the way.
  • The most engaging social media posts usually begin as a random thought, later edited into something valuable.
  • Some of the most successful entrepreneurs launched services that weren’t "perfect"—but they launched anyway.

Now, It’s Your Turn

Are you sitting on a business idea, an offer, or a strategy but unsure how to bring it to life? Maybe you’ve drafted something but aren’t sure if it’s good enough?

Here’s my challenge for you: embrace the shitty first draft.

Let’s take that raw, messy, unpolished idea and turn it into something powerful. I’m offering a FREE initial consult to review your "Shitty First Draft"—whether it's a new business, a plan, an idea, or something else you're working on.

📩 Message me on Facebook at Business Wahine NZ
🛍️ Or book through my store at businesswahine.nz

The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time? Right now. Let’s make it happen! 🚀

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