You can keep improving a program forever but at some point you have to freeze the design to get something to market.
I try to work on a song until it’s bullet proof, but it seems there are always improvements that can be made. Every time I listen to a “finished” song I find something I want to fix. It may be a bass note, a drumbeat, and more often than not a part of the vocal.
When you see a favorite artist play one of his or her hits in concert, but it isn’t the way it sounded on the record, that may be indicative of some creative second thoughts.
I’m particularly critical of my singing and am rarely satisfied with the final take.
When I do finally save the final mix of a new song I then seek a second opinion. The first one to hear it is usually my significant other who surprisingly provides a pretty objective review.
To get a more objective and detailed evaluation I’ll send the song to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) for a critique by a music industry professional. As a member of NSAI, I get a dozen evaluations each year and make sure I use them all.
When I submit a song I ask for suggestions for improvement. Once I get that feedback I do my own evaluation and decide whether to make more changes.
Several years ago I took a personality test that indicated I’m a perfectionist. That surprised me because I know my work is far from perfect and that I often settle for less than perfection.
But at some point, I know, I just have to freeze the design.