99% there
I’ve learned the hard way that when someone or even I say something is 99% there, it’s most probably the reverse. Even though we may think that 99% of the tasks are done, that last element, the 1% is almost always the sticking point. The thing that will stop ‘it’ from actually happening.
Whenever we hear these words, we should be cautious that something isn’t right, that there’s a big sticking point that might just stop the project all together.
Like this:
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This is kinda like the Pareto Principle.
For me 99% usually means 51%- I have broken its back, it is half complete, and I am feeling good about knocking over the last 49%.
Trouble is, the amount of effort and focus needed to complete the last 49% is usually 99% of the total project effort.
It’s easy to start something- bloody hard to finish it off.
Yea, 99% means there is a 1% that is much bigger than the percentage between 97 and 98. “Nearly done”, but still waiting on something to finish.