Premature Optimization

Premature optimization is the belief that everything must be perfect before you can start using it.

It’s like insisting on building a multi-lane highway before daring to walk down a simple narrow path. The result is delay, over-engineering, and often procrastination.

Common Signs

• Delaying useful work because the font isn’t perfect
• Spending time aligning draft images pixel by pixel
• Rewriting wording endlessly before even testing the idea

These behaviors create the illusion of progress while avoiding the actual work.

The Better Approach

1. Build first — create a working version, even if imperfect
2. Test it — validate whether it solves the problem
3. Optimize later — refine only if and when it’s truly needed

Key Takeaway

Don’t let the pursuit of perfection block progress.
Start small, iterate, and improve as you go.