The Perfectionism Trap: Just in Time vs. Just in Case (3 Min Read) | Vol. 139

February  21, 2025

“I think perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes and a mink coat, pretending to be elegant when actually it’s just terrified.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

The Perfectionism Trap: Just in Time vs. Just in Case

I was catching up with my friend Jake about his new business idea, and I couldn’t help but notice something: He was spending way too much time getting ready to start instead of actually starting.

I shared a story about another friend who used their perfectionism as a shield. If you’re always getting ready, you can’t fail. But you can’t succeed either.

Jake agreed. Maybe he was falling into that trap. He admitted that deep down, he knew he’d learn far more from real customers than from endlessly tweaking his launch plan. I agreed. Some challenges can’t be anticipated. But he’s an expert—he’d figure it out on the fly.

Then Jake mentioned something our mutual friend, John Meese, had told him, “Do less just in case learning and more just in time learning.” I love that distinction! Just in time vs. Just in case.

“Just in Time” inventory management was pioneered by Toyota in the 1950s, under the leadership of industrial engineer Taiichi Ohno. The goal was to produce only what was needed, when it was needed, and in the exact amount needed. It revolutionized manufacturing efficiency. Ohno was inspired by American supermarkets, where shelves were restocked based on actual demand rather than bulk ordering just in case customers might buy something. Turns out, “just in time” works in many areas.

When team members start trying to anticipate every eventuality in planning, I suggest they do more “just in time” problem-solving and less “just in case” worrying. Anticipating what could go wrong is a superpower that shouldn’t be over-used. Over-preparing for problems that might never happen will slow you down. At its worst, it will prevent you from starting.

It makes me wonder—how often do we stall because we’re over-preparing for things that may never come? What if we trusted ourselves to handle things as they arise? What if we stopped hoarding knowledge just in case and started acquiring it just in time, when it’s actually useful? What else could we approach with a “just in time” mindset?

One question to ponder in your thinking time: What would be possible if you trusted yourself to figure things out on the fly?

Make an Impact!
Jay Papasan
Co-author of The ONE Thing & The Millionaire Real Estate Agent