In working with a client recently, we had a discussion about some tension with her non-ADD business partner. "It's just that she always does such a half-assed job," the client said. "I'm busting my butt and she's hardly trying."
In fact, this client does work really hard. Too hard. She gets caught up in perfectionism, works long hours, and is always stressed out.
"So she's doing a half-ass job," I said to the client, "and you're doing a two-ass job."
I have no idea where the term "half-ass" came from, but it certainly is an interesting way of describing a shoddy job, isn't it? And it stands to reason that if there is such a thing as a half-ass job, then there is also such a thing as a two-ass job.
While you might think that ADD would cause a business owner to do half-assed work, I find the opposite to be true. ADD business owners often get caught up in old patterns and belief systems, worrying about what others will think of their work and overcompensating as a result. They do two-assed work. This is a form of perfectionism, and it leads to overwhelm and, ultimately, burnout.
My client laughed and agreed. And the point became clear: the best work is done with one full ass. No more, no less.
