It Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect And Neither Do You

We all know the sentiment, “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” 

Usually, we apply it to work. 

The presentation, the report, the outcome – usually 80% will cover it well enough. We still have to aim high, but there’s no point in torturing ourselves for something it would require luck to hit. 

There’s value in applying it to relationships and ourselves too. 

John Steinbeck reframes the sentiment accordingly as, “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” 

In management, leadership, or even from the bottom of the ladder in an organization – perfect is best conceptualized for guidance and little more. Good is whatever’s pragmatically enough to achieve the results we’re after.