Perfect is the enemy of good

ยท 4 min read
Perfect is the enemy of good

As the great French philosopher Voltaire once stated:

Perfect is the enemy of good

With this well-known quote he encapsulated a profound truth about human nature and our relentless pursuit of perfection.

# Getting stuck with mediocrity

Too often, we find ourselves caught in the trappings of excellence, consistently neglecting the "good enough" that exists within our reach.

We develop a disconcerting tendency to disregard the satisfactory, instead thirsting for the impeccable. This insatiable drive, rather than propel us forward, often leaves us mired in mediocrity or worse, because our obsession with the pursuit of perfection blinds us to the incremental growth that underpins success.

# Success requires many strides

Success is rarely, if ever, the result of a single grand leap. Rather, it is the accumulation of many small steps, each one critical to the larger process. A relentless fixation on the end result can prevent us from appreciating these smaller steps and consequently, blind us to the incremental progress we are making. In our haste to reach the land of success, we often forget to appreciate the journey, the learning, and the growth that come from each stride we make, no matter how small.

# The journey is part of the success

Perfection is not a destination but a journey. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort, persistence, and most importantly, patience. Every single step, no matter how small, every single hour spent in the pursuit of our goal, contributes to our progress. We need to trust the process, even when progress seems slow or the goal seems far off. Consistent effort is the key to achieving perfection.

# Pivoting all way long

Success demands resilience. It requires the ability to pivot, adapt, and grow in response to obstacles and setbacks. These are not deviations or interruptions, but critical parts of the journey towards perfection. Each pivot, each change in direction, signifies growth and evolution, bringing us one step closer to our goal.

# Having fun

We must not only endure the journey but also derive joy from it. The path to perfection is often arduous and challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Each step, each small victory, is an accomplishment in itself and should be celebrated as such. Embracing the journey, rather than just focusing on the destination, can bring a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

# The lifetime journey

Furthermore, it's crucial to understand that the pursuit of perfection may indeed be a lifetime journey. The notion of "arriving" or "achieving" perfection is a myth. There will always be room for growth, for improvement, for evolution. Therefore, the aim should not be to reach a state of absolute perfection, but rather to strive for continuous growth and improvement.

# Conclusion

In conclusion, while the pursuit of excellence is commendable, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective. We must not allow our obsession with the "best" to blind us to the 'good' that is within our reach. We must appreciate the small steps, the incremental progress, and the lessons learned along the way.

Remember, perfection is not a destination but a journey. The path towards perfection requires patience, resilience, and an appreciation for the process. And most importantly, we must find joy in the journey itself, for the journey towards perfection is just as important, if not more so, than the destination itself.

In the wise words of Voltaire, "Perfect is the enemy of good." Let us remember this as we navigate our paths, striving not just for the "best", but for continuous growth and improvement. This, ultimately, is the true path to perfection. Cheers!!

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