Perfect

In our own lives, we confront the challenge of perfection every day.

We expect, and, in turn are expected to be, the perfect parent, spouse, friend, leader, student, worker. And the list goes on.

Yet, we must recognize the obvious. Striving for perfection has a cost.

Last week, I realized I needed a break. A sure sign: small things felt like mountains to be climbed. I found myself at home. Much needed down-time. The idea: to read a book or two, catch up on Netflix, and swim.

The first three days were a struggle. The incessant pull of work, emails, calls, more emails, more calls. Drawing me back. Gradually, I 'switch off.'

Ideas Of Perfection

And it was then I found myself thinking of the tremendous roller coaster life we live. Rushing from commitment to commitment. Trying to keep all the balls in the air. And struggling to do it all so perfectly! 

The fact is, we are surrounded by concepts of ‘perfection’ in every discipline of thought.

-      In mathematics, Perfect Numbers, are defined as integers equal to the sum of their divisors… for instance, 6, 28, 496, 8,128, and so on.

-      In architecture, the perfect Golden Ratio, an ancient guide for proportions.

-      In beauty, the perfect muse, for centuries the Mona Lisa.

-      In physics, the perfect theory, some say Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.

-      In sport, the perfect sprinter, debatably Usain Bolt.

Yet, we know from experience that ideas of perfection change with time.

-      In mathematics, new theories challenge our understanding of the relationship between numbers.

-      In architecture, digital methods have laid waste to static ideas of perfection in geometry.

-      In beauty, ideals once cherubic, then anemic, are now changing again to a healthier body type.

-      In physics, newly conceived ‘string’ theories test the boundaries of Einstein’s thoughts.

-      In sport, past heroes would struggle to make the cut for the Olympics today.

Having said that, I realized during this break that I continue to live my life with a core belief that is difficult to let go. I believe that ‘good enough is not good enough.’

Celebration Matters

Yet, we must recognize the obvious. Striving for perfection has a cost. I now believe that you should simply do the best you can. The best you can within the constraints you face. And do this while remaining positive and excited about the future.

In the rough and tumble world we live in, always on the go, no sooner an obligation met than another looming over the horizon, we must take time out for ourselves. And for each other collectively. Time to recognize the glue that binds us. To celebrate our achievements.

For me, thinking back, an interesting lesson learnt when our youngest daughter was a four-year old.

An overachiever of her own making, one day, she came home from school. Beaming, even more than usual and clutching a stuffed tiger, she proudly announced she was awarded ‘The Gem of The Week,’ a recognition for the student who made the most effort at self-improvement. A reward for her flawless recitation of Humpty Dumpty in front of her class.

And this was not an easy task. For her, a notable achievement, given her continued struggles with a speech and hearing issue. Over the past month, she had been practicing at home. Practicing relentlessly.

Yes, having heard the recitals ad infinitum, I can say with some certainty I now fully appreciate the risks of sitting on a wall and of the tragedy that befell Humpty Dumpty.

So, we celebrated her achievement. What mattered, more than the stuffed tiger, was the happiness and sense of achievement our daughter felt. Belief in herself and her abilities. A positive view of life.

 What You Thrill To

Today, our daughter is a motivated and happy 10-year old. Looking at her, I am reminded of her earlier sense of achievement. And I believe we must remember to take pause, to celebrate our successes. If we accept that ideas of ‘perfection’ are subjective, and if we feel that our life and our achievements are worth celebrating, then perfect is the present, the past a wistful memory, the future a wishful dream.

Perfect is the flurry of birds making their nest in our garden.

Perfect are the words of advice from my mother.

Perfect is the stuffed tiger and the relentless practice of Humpty Dumpty.

Perfect is the sound of my daughters' laughter in the morning.

And of course, perfect are the rewards of following your passion.

To quote Rainer Rilke, “So listen to the voice from your soul, quiet but insistent, and honor it. Find what you thrill to: if not the perfect sentence, the beautiful cure, the brilliant formula, the lovely chord, the exquisite sauce, the artful reconciliation.”

For me, a perfect ending to this message.