So what is it to be perfect? To be perfect is to be entirely without flaws, defects or shortcomings; accurate, exact or correct in every detail. Wow. That sounds like the bar is set pretty high. How can we imperfect humans make something perfect? I have a few family and friends that make attempts to control everything to ensure perfection is achieved. I find that this creates undo stress. This can affect your pursuit of happiness, depending on how you deal with it.
I love quotes. I have a couple that I like that speak to our pursuit of perfection. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, artist and politician. He said, "The man with insight enough to admit his limitations comes nearest to perfection." We all have limitations and must do our best to work with, but not within, our limitations to achieve our goals. If you work within your limitations, you may not make your goals. On the other side, if you work with your limitations to make the best of them, you can achieve your goals. You can reach your goals without being perfect.
Here is another quote. This one provides an alternative to perfection. The famous Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi sums it up very well. "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." I think this is some wise advice. Set your goals high, and in your pursuit of perfection you will achieve excellence. For those of us in the Air Force, you will note that the last of our Core Values is NOT perfection. "Integrity first, Service before self and EXCELLENCE in all we do."
Give yourself a break. You can achieve happiness AND excellence while pursuing your goals and perfection.
I will leave you with one last quote from author George Orwell, "The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection."
Pursue a happy life and don't forget to enjoy the moments along the way.
Peace.
