Episode 83: Test and Learn: Executing Sans Perfection
The Career Clinic Podcast
Host: Ronnie Dickerson Stewart
Episode Overview
Welcome to Day Three of Week Two of The Career Clinic January Intensive.
In Episode 83, we tackle one of the most common blockers to execution for smart, capable, high-performing people: perfectionism. Specifically, the belief that you need certainty, clarity, or a flawless plan before you can take action.
This episode introduces “test and learn” as a practical execution strategy — one that allows you to move forward without waiting to feel ready, confident, or 100% sure. Rather than treating action as a permanent decision, this approach reframes action as experimentation, giving you permission to learn, iterate, and adjust along the way.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why perfectionism often masquerades as preparation
✔️ How waiting for certainty keeps capable people stuck
✔️ What “test and learn” actually means in practice
✔️ Why action does not require perfect execution
✔️ How short, defined tests reduce anxiety and increase momentum
✔️ How to build trust with yourself through small, intentional action
The Core Idea: Action Without Certainty
Perfectionism convinces us that action must be flawless — or that it’s better not to act at all.
This episode challenges that belief by introducing test and learn as a way to take action without the pressure of permanence. Instead of asking, “Is this the perfect decision?” the question becomes:
“What can I learn if I try this for a defined period of time?”
When action is framed as a test, movement becomes safer, lighter, and more accessible.
Why Testing Beats Waiting ✍🏾
Waiting for perfect clarity often leads to no clarity at all.
As discussed in this episode, perfection never actually arrives — and waiting for it only delays progress. Testing and learning removes the emotional weight of “forever” and replaces it with curiosity, data, and feedback.
Small tests create:
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Faster learning cycles
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Real-time course correction
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Reduced fear of failure
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Increased confidence through evidence
The Test & Learn Framework (Simple, Not Simplistic)
Ronnie walks through a clear, repeatable structure for running a test:
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Identify an opportunity or obstacle
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Confirm the test is worth your time and energy
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Hypothesize what actions might help
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Define a clear start and end date
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Decide how you’ll measure success and learning
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Set a specific evaluation point
A test is intentional. It has boundaries. And it’s designed to teach you something — not prove anything.
What This Looks Like in Real Life 🙌🏾
Throughout the episode, Ronnie shares personal examples of testing and learning, including:
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Trying new work rhythms and locations
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Testing posting cadence and platforms
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Adjusting schedules to protect energy
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Exploring creative and physical routines without over-committing
From dance classes to writing habits, the message is clear: testing prevents over-investment before alignment is confirmed.
Why This Matters for Your Say vs. Do Ratio
Earlier this week, we named the gap between intention and action as the place where trust erodes — especially trust with yourself.
Testing and learning helps close that gap without pressure, shame, or all-or-nothing thinking. You don’t need to commit for a year. You need to commit to a test.
Momentum is built through small, intentional actions, not one perfect decision made in January.
This Week’s Challenge
Identify one area of your personal or professional life where you want growth, change, or clarity.
Design a small, manageable test you can run over the next few weeks:
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Define what you’re testing
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Set a clear timeframe
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Decide how you’ll evaluate it
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Commit to learning, not perfection
Start small. Start imperfectly. Just start.
Links & Resources 🤎
đź“ť Ask OhHeyCoach:
Submit a question for Friday’s Ask OhHeyCoach episode.
👉🏾 https://form.typeform.com/to/ja89DHpT
đź“© Join the OhHeyMonday Newsletter:
Weekly reflections, tools, and grounded guidance delivered every Monday.
👉🏾 www.ohheyjoin.com
🤝 Work With Ronnie / OhHeyCoach:
Executive coaching, leadership development, and career design.
👉🏾 www.ohheycoach.com
📬 Contact:
info@ohheycoach.com
What’s Coming Next
Tomorrow’s episode focuses on Assembling Your Crew — the people, partnerships, and support systems that make follow-through possible.
Final Thought ✨
You don’t need to be certain to take action. You don’t need perfection to move forward. You need a willingness to test, learn, and trust yourself — one small step at a time.
I’ll see you tomorrow. 🤎