Larry the Cable Guy
For many of us, our tendency towards perfectionism precludes us from moving forward. Our strong desire to “get it just right” precludes us from moving forward on what needs to get done. “Paralysis by Analysis” is a good description as it often precludes the perfectionist in us from moving forward on necessary action. Whether it is in meeting with an Attorney for Estate Planning, going to the dentist, or other necessities in life. They are precluded from even starting to take needed action.
Studies show that if you start into a project quickly, you will get 80% of what you need done. After that you can start cleaning it up and adding on to it from there. If you wait on it for weeks and think it through, what you get done is still about 80% of what you want to get done. It is as if the mind can only contemplate 80% of the project at a time, regardless of how long we contemplate before taking action.
For some simple things 80% is good enough, such as mowing the lawn. For other things, such as surgeries or Estate Planning, it has to be more than that. However, if you wait to do the surgery or Estate Planning too long, you, the patient will die. It is best if you get the first 80% done and then you can clean it up, by doing 80% of the next 20%, and then go back and clean up the remaining 4%.
In other words “Get Moving!”
Remember that there almost is no such thing as “Perfect” because too many things in life are moving. The laws are always moving, your personal relationships are always moving, and the assets you own are changing.
Like any needed project, you just have to start. Start with an experienced Estate Planning Attorney, who limits their legal practice to Estate Planning, and who is a good listener. You’ll get the 80% completed part done pretty quickly. From there you move into completing the rest of the Estate Plan. The good Estate Planning Attorney, using experienced listening, will help draw out your Concerns and Goals™, and help you articulate your Dangers, Opportunities, and Strengths™, so that you can move forward in designing your Customized Protective Estate Plan™ that fits your family’s individual needs.
At the Law Firm of Steven Andrew Jackson, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, we have helped hundreds of families protect themselves and their loved ones, avoid Estate Taxes and Probate Costs, and keep their Estate Plans current with the law through The Customized Protective Estate Planning Solution™.