Chasing Perfect? Here's How to Settle for Done (and Mean It)
This prompt helps you define what “done enough” actually looks like — so you can finish and move on.
Dex has rewritten the same paragraph five times.
He tells himself it’s not ready. He just needs to smooth it. Add one more point. Maybe reframe the structure.
He’s been “almost done” for two days.
At this point, he’s not writing — he’s stalling.
What’s Actually Happening
This is completion anxiety — the fear that “done” will lead to judgment, regret, or missed opportunity.
ADHDers often experience perfectionism not as vanity, but as self-protection. If it’s never finished, it’s never subject to failure.
But incomplete work is its own kind of stress. It lingers. It nags. It multiplies.
The Reframe
Done isn’t settling. It’s choosing to release your work into the world.
And AI can help you define what enough looks like. Not by lowering your standards — but by aligning them with what you actually need the outcome to do.
New Vignette with AI Support
Dex types:
“I’m stuck trying to finish this post. I keep editing and tweaking and can’t tell if it’s actually done. Can you help me define what ‘done enough’ looks like so I can move on?”
AI replies:
“Sure. Let’s check:
Have you clearly expressed your main idea?
Would someone reading this understand your point?
Does it feel authentic — even if not flawless?
If yes, then it’s probably ready.
Want to pick one sentence to polish, then hit publish?”
Dex exhales. He tweaks the last line. He publishes.
Why It Worked
AI gave structure to a vague internal debate. It didn’t push for “done.” It helped define it.
It moved Dex from feelings of incompletion to a finish line he could trust.
Suggested Prompt:
“I keep tweaking and stalling on this. Can you help me figure out what ‘done enough’ means for this project so I can move on?”
When to Use This Prompt:
You’ve been circling the same edit loop for too long
You’re scared to finish because it won’t be perfect
You don’t know what ‘done’ even looks like anymore
Tips to Improve This Prompt:
Share the context: “This is a newsletter post,” “This is a portfolio draft”
Ask for a checklist: “What 3 things should be true before I publish this?”
Add constraints: “It’s okay if it’s rough — I just need it to communicate”
Ask for a closeout ritual: “Give me a final checklist and a way to celebrate or let go”
Level Up:
“Can you help me create a ‘good enough’ checklist I can reuse when I feel stuck chasing perfect?”
When This Prompt Doesn’t Work:
If you’re still unclear on what the project is for — use a clarity prompt first
If the stakes are emotionally high — try a self-compassion or values-based alignment prompt first
Copyable Prompt:
“I keep getting stuck trying to make this perfect. Can you help me figure out what done enough looks like so I can finish it and move on?”