Using Perfection As a Signpost Rather Than a Destination

This is an except from Mind Macros 08.

"It is reasonable to have perfection in our eye that we may always advance toward it, though we know it can never be reached." — Samuel Johnson

"For me, perfection is not a single moment in time when everything aligns and we are faultless, nor is it a finished state accomplished by rote. Instead I choose Johnson’s description – we keep it in our eye as we head towards it, knowing we will never quite catch up, but basking in that sun all the while." — From Word Perfect by Susie Dent

Perspective determines perfection.

We will never feel as though our work is perfect. Flaws, inadequacies, and improvements are all that we will see. This is the curse of creation.

We are always our harshest critics. Yet, another person may come along and, not thinking of a way it can be improved, deem our work perfect.

Take a look at Amazon reviews to see this in action. One five-star “perfect” is another's “less than one star if I could, do not buy.”

Perhaps perfection is less about the thing itself and more about where you’re standing.