Never Enough Time To Do It Right

This article was written by Jim Miley and published by Crossroads Coaching.

I once had a mentor who loved to say, “You never have time to do it right, but you always have time to do it twice.” That quote perfectly captured the frustration of rushing through work, only to spend double the time fixing what should have been done correctly in the first place.

As a Christian business owner, you’re not just managing tasks and chasing profits, you’re stewarding the resources and people God has entrusted to you. That means doing things right the first time is more than just a best practice.  It’s ordained by your faith.

Making the time to do things right is not only beneficial to your business but also rooted in a strong Biblical foundation.

A Biblical Foundation for Doing Things Right The First Time

The Bible is rich with wisdom about excellence, diligence, and integrity in our work. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” That means whether you’re reviewing a contract, designing a logo, or sweeping the office floor, your work reflects your faith and values.

Proverbs 22:29 adds, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” God honors excellence. And excellence begins with a commitment to doing things right the first time. Not cutting corners or rushing to check off a task, but taking the time to do it well.

The Hidden Cost of Doing It Twice

Too often, we get caught in the trap of just getting it done. You might be understaffed, overwhelmed, or under pressure from clients and deadlines. But when we shortcut the process, we often end up backtracking to fix mistakes, clarify confusion, or redo the entire job.

This is costly. Not just in money, but in time, trust, and morale. A rushed invoice sent with errors leads to delayed payments and client frustration. A marketing campaign pushed out without proofreading hurts your brand and credibility. A job launched prematurely results in poor performance, complaints, and a negative customer experience.

In my past life leading an industrial manufacturing operation we had a hard dollar line items on the financials for “rework” and “scrap” that were distinct from warranty expense.  When you add the hard dollar costs to the soft or uncaptured impact to the overall business, the cost of doing things twice can be a really strong head wind against your growth goals. Doing it twice is always more expensive, financially and relationally. But when you take the time to do it right the first time, you build a foundation of excellence and trust that pays dividends in both hard and soft dollars.

Excellence Attracts Excellence

One of the key benefits of doing things right the first time is the reputation you build over time. People notice. Customers begin to trust that you’ll deliver quality. Employees see that details matter. Partners view your business as reliable.

Excellence is contagious. When you lead with high standards, your team rises to meet them. When your processes are intentional and well-executed, everyone wins. Small business success isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistent integrity and intentionality. When you choose to do things right the first time, you send a clear message: We care. We are accountable. We are trustworthy.

Practical Tips for Doing It Right the First Time

How do you implement this in a fast-paced, constantly changing business environment?

1. Slow Down to Speed Up

It may feel counterintuitive, but slowing down often helps you move faster in the long run. There’s a saying, “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” Pause before executing tasks. Ask yourself, “Is this thorough? Is this aligned with our values?”

2. Standardize and Simplify 

Create systems and checklists that support quality work. When expectations and processes are clear, there’s less room for error.

3. Train and Empower Your Team 

Your employees are a reflection of your leadership. Invest in training that emphasizes doing things right. Give your team the tools and time they need to do their best work.

4. Inspect What You Expect

Set quality benchmarks and follow up regularly. Reviewing and refining your processes keeps everyone aligned and focused on excellence.

5. Pray Over Your Work 

As Christian leaders, we don’t rely solely on our own strength. Ask God for wisdom, clarity, and patience to lead your business in a way that honors Him.

Long-Term Rewards

When you commit to doing things right the first time, the rewards multiply over time:

• Customer Loyalty: Clients trust you to deliver quality consistently.
• Operational Efficiency: Fewer mistakes mean less rework and better return on capital.
• Team Morale: Employees feel proud to be part of something excellent.
• Reputation: Your brand becomes synonymous with reliability and integrity.
• Kingdom Impact: You honor God by reflecting His character in your work.

Doing things right the first time is more than a productivity tip. It’s a leadership mindset rooted in biblical values. Yes, it takes more intentionality up front. Yes, it requires discipline and humility. But the payoff in your business, your team, and your witness is worth it every time. So next time you’re tempted to rush or settle for “good enough,” remember this: “You never have time to do it right, but you always have time to do it twice.” Choose excellence. Choose integrity. Choose to do it right the first time.