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I have no intentions of getting political here, but I was intrigued last weekend when I heard Obama address the heated debate surrounding the health care bill by cautioning members of Congress to be careful not to let perfect be the enemy of good. I hadn't heard this saying before [though I learned through a little googling that it comes from Voltaire] and, as such, it really struck a chord with me. How often do we trip ourselves up trying to uncover the perfect solution, rather than a good one that will work just as well?
Happens to me all the time. All the time.
10 comments:
It is a wonderful quote! My sis and I were just talking about berating ourselves for doing a less than perfect job on something...I think we need to make our own little signs of this quote. :)
oh my goodness. this is what my mamma says, always ' perfect is the enemy of good' I learned of its truth in my life, when I unfortunately left things unfinished because 'I wanted them to be perfect', so my ambitiousness was paralyzing. My friend always says ' take the elevator!' just finish it:) no need to take the stairs:) I hope to finish those projects soon, and your words encourage me. Great to know that they came from Voltaire, I will add that now when I say ' My mamma always says....'
Its such a simple sounding quote but I am still learning that lesson. So many ideas aren't done for fear of failing or of it not being completely how one thought it should be. I will try to say it to myself more often...thanks for reminding me of it!
May I share a website that helps me keep my perfectionism at bay and actually get things done?
She has been such a lifesaver, my Flylady! http://www.flylady.net/
(p.s FLY means 'Finally Loving Yourself', letting go of unrealistic expectations and avoid procrastination and perfectionism!)
Should have been quote of the day
I may have to steal this quote ... speaking as a control freak and perfectionist.
Thanks Suzanne.
all the time and i realize it's ridiculous, but seems to be instinctual. i have to catch myself from holding back and do it, but not often enough. thank you for the reminder.
I don't know how many times I didn't finish something because it wasn't "perfect". I'll have to work on that, and be a better example for my kids. I don't want them to feel like they have to be perfect all the time. Thanks for the inspiration! :)
I was definitely guilty of this even with my little daughter. Thankfully I remember most of the time nowadays that looking for perfection makes one unhappy and it is totally unnecessary. So much happier just doing things and not worrying about the results.
After my recent struggles with artist block...I really needed to see this! And, I've made my own to hang on the wall next to me!
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