My former doctor’s office had a sign at the receptionist desk written by Voltaire that read, “Perfection is the enemy of good.” This sign was necessary because her practice focused on healing the body not putting band-aides on pain. This meant that patients were required to do work to heal, not just swallow a pill. As you can imagine, this type of practice attracted a lot of over-achievers. Patients who were willing to pay for the out-of-pocket tests, get the Vitamin B shots and change their diet drastically in order to see results. The problem with most over-achievers is that they want it to be PERFECT the minute they start. If it’s not, they won’t start at all. In other words, good isn’t good enough for them. I’m here to remind you that good is still better than nothing. You can start something, try it and remain flexible in the learning. This is exactly how you come out winning. This concept is especially difficult for three’s and one’s on the Enneagram to comprehend. Their hellbent desire to be the best or right, simply doesn’t allow for them to risk trying.
Let’s dig a little deeper and talk about what happens if you don’t perform perfectly. Or better yet, if you make a mistake.
There are two types of mistakes: inexpensive or pricey. The inexpensive mistake is noticed by very few and is often a lesson meant just for you. It’s a mere flesh wound in the world of mistakes. You can use a band-aide to cover it up. You might be able to brag about it fairly quickly as a slight embarrassment. The other type of mistake is the one you make over and over. It’s also known as a choice. These mistakes are very pricey. They typically involve using other people to achieve. These mistakes are very noticeable - like losing a leg. After the dust has settled, it’s possible you will walk with a limp. I want to lean on the inexpensive mistakes because those are easy to remedy and are part of trying.
What about you?
Are you obsessing this week over something no one else noticed?
Is it keeping you up at night as you ponder what you could have done to prevent it from happening?
Are you under the illusion that you have full control over every situation?
Were you able to correct it with little to no damage?
If so, do yourself a favor and accept it as a lesson. Take your worry and turn it into purpose. Inexpensive lessons shouldn’t cost you peace. If they do, you’re the one making them more valuable than they deserve.
Try something this week - mess up and move on. Don’t spend too much time rehashing something that didn’t end the world or ruin lives. Take the lesson and throw it in the penny jar. One day all of this will add up. No need to make it more valuable than it needs to be in this moment.