The GETMO Principle: (Learning to Let Go and Move Forward)
We all know the feeling. You’re working on a project, pouring your heart and soul into every detail, making sure everything is just right. But then—bam!—you hit the reality of teamwork. And suddenly, you’re faced with the challenge of collaborating with others who may not share your obsessive attention to detail.
For those of us who are task-oriented perfectionists, teamwork can be frustrating. You might find yourself constantly redoing other people’s work, pushing deadlines further, and ultimately exhausting yourself because their standards don’t match yours. But here’s the kicker: success is rarely a solo act.
That’s where the GETMO Principle comes in. Good Enough To Move On.
Perfection vs. Progress
We often convince ourselves that perfection is the goal. But is it really? Or is it just another way we hold ourselves back?
In a business setting, perfectionism can be the enemy of efficiency. If you’re constantly nitpicking every little thing, you’ll burn out, stall progress, and prevent your team from growing. Instead of obsessing over minor imperfections, ask yourself:
- Is the spelling correct?
- Does it communicate the intended message?
- Is it neat and professional?
- Does it align with the company’s branding (logo, font, colors)?
If the answer is yes, then it’s GETMO—time to let go and move forward.
The Power of Team Growth
Here’s the thing—if you always redo someone’s work because it’s not up to your standard, they’ll never learn. You’re not just slowing yourself down; you’re stalling their growth too. Instead of taking over, focus on communication.
- Encourage: Acknowledge what they did well.
- Explain: Offer constructive feedback.
- Empower: Give them the opportunity to revise and improve.
Think of it as mentorship rather than micromanagement. When you build people up rather than break them down, your entire team becomes stronger.
What is Good Enough?
This is where you have to find balance. While you don’t want to accept sloppy or brand-damaging work, you also don’t want to waste time obsessing over unnecessary tweaks. Here’s how to determine if something is GETMO:
✔️ Does it achieve the main goal? ✔️ Is it clear and professional? ✔️ Does it reflect the company’s image? ✔️ Will making further changes add significant value?
If it passes these checks, it’s time to move on.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
GETMO isn’t about lowering your standards—it’s about being realistic and strategic. It’s about knowing when to push for improvement and when to move forward efficiently.
So next time you feel the urge to fix everything, take a step back and ask yourself: Is it GETMO? If it is, let it go and keep moving forward. Your sanity—and your team—will thank you for it!
