One Little Secret We Should Know if We Really Want to Do Something Well
So often when we are doing anything, we are usually striving for our version of perfection. We are looking to create that perfect document, that perfect business pitch, that perfect blog or some other perfect expression of our creativity.
It is understandable that we all want to do things very well, but does it make any sense at all that we are aiming for perfection? Shouldn’t we be aiming for something else?
Achieving Success -- Be Diligent: The alternaview
The alternaview is that instead of aiming for perfection, we should instead be aiming to be diligent. Aiming for perfection is overwhelming because we are aiming for something that is often times extremely challenging to achieve. In fact, many times we have created our own elevated definition of perfection, which is unreachable. As a result, it is easy to become frustrated or feel that you are not achieving all you should simply because you have not satisfied your own personal definition of perfection.
Additionally, when we are aiming for perfection, we are less apt to experiment because we are so concerned with creating something that will live up to our definition of perfection. We are against taking any chances that may stray from the formula that we feel is necessary to achieve perfection. Aiming for perfection restrains us from trying to do things differently and experimenting to see what works.
We are far better off and should aim for diligence instead of perfection if we really want to do something well. And, the definition of diligence provides additional clarification on exactly what it is we should be aiming to do.
Diligence: Done or pursued with persevering attention
Diligence does not require perfection, but rather that we commit to continually going after what we want. It requires that we are dedicated to the pursuit and willing to devote a large majority of our focus and attention to what we are trying to accomplish. It means that we will continually try over and over again and do those things we know we should. It means we will never give up or allow ourselves to be immobilized by defeatist thoughts because we are committed to the pursuit. We will be open minded about our approach and willing to change what is not working because we know that we will learn as we go along and get better and better at whatever it is we are doing.
So, the next time you are trying to do anything well, toss out any thoughts that you need to achieve perfection. Aim for diligence and you will be amazed at how things will eventually unfold. And, as you continue to work day after day, you should give yourself credit for committing to diligence and for continually pursuing to do something well. It is not everyone that can consistently maintain this type of focus and you should allow your continued dedication to be inspiring and encourage you to do more and more. The interesting thing is that once you honestly commit to diligence and you consistently work at something, in time you will start to see all sorts of perfection. It may not ever satisfy that older definition of perfection that you discarded, but you will see the perfection in your approach, in your diligence, and in how things are unfolding, and that is really all the perfection you will ever need…that is the alternaview.
Do you agree with this alternaview? Are you diligent?
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As a recovering codependent (someone who strives to fulfill everyone else's wants, needs, and desires pefectly), I have gladly given up perfection in many areas of my life. The first time I was confronted with the idea that I couldn't do everything to perfection was when it came to my housekeeping while there was a toddler on the loose. It may sound unrelated here, but it is now a way for me to measure what it is I am doing in any area of my life. Am I exhausted from the attempt? Am I going over the same ground again and again with little or no gain? Do I need to come to my senses, not necessarily lowering my standards, but at least rearranging my habits (i.e., waiting for the little tyke to go to bed first) so I'm taking a much-needed break? While I choose not to be perfect (with a great sense of relief), I can always persevere.
Annie: You have gotta love the fact that toddlers can just shed light on so many realities of life:) I think those questions that you are asking yourselves are really important ones and help put things into perspective. Sometimes we really do need to have reality checks and make certain that we aren't subscribing to a perspective that is doing more harm than good. Thank you so much for the comment and thank you also for stopping by the alternaview. Sibyl
Hey nice article Sibyl and you have rightly said that instead of eying perfection we should aim for deligence.
Suhasini: Thanks for the comment and welcome back to the alternaview. I am glad that you enjoyed the article and that you are commenting here at the alternaview. Have a great weekend. Sibyl
Sibyl, hello again - thank you for another interesting post and your insight that "Aiming for perfection restrains us from trying to do things differently and experimenting to see what works." I think this is such an important reminder that the very idea of perfection can define and limit us. It is a self -judgment that often imprisons us in a sense of frustration or failure because we never seem to live up to the "perfect" ideal we set for ourselves. And what is this concept of perfection? Usually something that is imposed from outside ourselves. Once we release it, we accept our life - our relationships and situations and struggles - in a totally different way. Somehow we reach the point of being able to accept and even be grateful for the perfection in the imperfection. I really liked your point that we begin to see "perfection in your approach, in your diligence, and in how things are unfolding." Warm wishes from Japan - 35cm of snow on the ground here in the mountains - Catrien Ross.
Catrien Ross´s last blog ..Catrien Ross on Blasting Mount Fuji to Bits – Does Live-Fire Artillery Count As a Spiritual Distraction?
Catrien: I really liked what you said about reaching the point of being able to accept the perfection in the imperfection. I thought that was very powerful and it really points out the importance of being able to see things from a different perspective...which as you know is right up my alley. Your last post was amazing by the way. As always, thanks for the comment. I really appreciate you sharing your perspectives and insights at the alternaview.
The expectations all of us have are way above our realities and that is where we find it difficult to cover the gaps created in our lives. Yes, we would like to do things perfectly but somehow things just don't work and you have to make the next attempt again by changing your course. Taking a timely decision is key and if things don't work out you have to let it go!
Yes, you may be worried you have lost your money and time and didn't gain anything out of it. But I think the learnings that you have gained is what is important!
It really makes sense what you have written, hopefully you will also agree with me that it may not be so easy to come to the right decision, which is again a difficult choice you make in life!
Thanks!
Richard: Welcome to the alternaview. Thank you for the comment. I do agree with you that it is not always easy to come to the right decision. Sometimes it takes a little longer than we may thing and requires us to try several different things. I also agree with you about what you learn along the way being what is really important. It is easy to get so caught up in where we are trying to go that we lose sight of all that we have learned and all the different ways we have grown. And, many times what we have learned is really what is setting us up for success. Thank you again for the comment.