Lean Quote: Better Over Perfection – Lean Lesson from Bruce Lee

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at."   —  Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee once said, “A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.” This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of Lean thinking, where continuous improvement is the guiding principle. In Lean, we recognize that perfection is a moving target. The real value of setting goals is not in achieving an absolute endpoint, but in creating focus, direction, and momentum for improvement. Goals give teams a clear sense of purpose, even if the ideal state remains just beyond reach.

In Lean, the concept of True North embodies this idea. True North represents the organization’s highest aspirations—perfect quality, zero waste, total customer satisfaction. We may never fully arrive, but by consistently moving toward True North, we drive meaningful change. It’s not about flawless execution from day one, but about aligning our actions and decisions with where we want to go. This mindset keeps teams moving forward instead of becoming paralyzed by the fear of not hitting the target exactly.

Too often, organizations fall into the trap of “perfection paralysis.” They wait for the perfect plan, the perfect resources, or the perfect moment before taking action. In Lean, progress is more important than perfection. We learn by doing—by testing ideas, adjusting based on feedback, and making small, incremental improvements. A goal provides the framework for this learning, even if the path changes along the way.

Moreover, when teams view goals as guiding stars rather than rigid endpoints, they are more willing to experiment and adapt. A missed metric is no longer seen as failure, but as a learning opportunity. This fosters a culture where employees are engaged in problem-solving and innovation, because they know the journey is just as important as the destination. The focus shifts from “Did we hit the goal?” to “What did we learn as we worked toward it?”

Ultimately, Bruce Lee’s insight reminds us that in Lean, the pursuit of improvement is ongoing. The act of aiming at a goal—striving, learning, adjusting—is what transforms organizations. Better is always within reach, while perfection remains the horizon that keeps us moving. By embracing this philosophy, we create a workplace that values action over hesitation, progress over perfection, and learning over static achievement.

If we keep our eyes on True North, we’ll find that every step, no matter how small, moves us closer to a better way of working. The goal is not to “arrive” but to keep improving—always aiming higher, always striving for better. That’s the real spirit of Lean.