Simply Do Your Best - Thoughts For Reflection

A short talk offering an invitation to reflect on our tendency to seek perfection. Why not just try to do the best you can? Perfectionism can prevent us from taking on a task or a project. if you are waiting for someone to do a perfect job you may be waiting much longer than you would wish.

Transcript

Dear friends,

Someone was once invited to lend a helping hand in a very worthwhile project.

The person declined without a moment's hesitation.

The reason?

I would not take this on unless I could be sure I could do it perfectly.

That vacant position remained at a standstill until eventually someone else was found who agreed to do the best they could.

The first person's refusal was an example of how the best can very often be the enemy of the good.

A friend of mine now sadly deceased had a saying which I found difficult to agree with at the time.

His words were rather surprising.

He suggested that if something is worth doing at all,

It's worth doing badly.

The friend was not advocating slipshod or careless work.

He was a thoroughly reliable person himself.

Instead,

He was suggesting that any action is better than none.

If we are waiting for the input and the cooperation of a perfectionist,

We may find ourselves waiting for far longer than is necessary.

So the message of this talk is simply,

Do your best.

Do not stress yourself with the idea that everything has to be perfect.

Now,

If you are working on aircraft maintenance or the building of a spacecraft,

You are operating in an area where perfection is called for.

But I'm talking here about everyday life.

The tasks we perform,

The help we offer,

The good we try to do for others.

Try being a little easier on yourself,

Accepting as Pareto wisely put it centuries ago that the first 20% of the work brings in about 80% of the result.

Remember too that just to begin a project rewards you with the energy to continue.

So in the time ahead,

May you be blessed with the ability to happily do your best and may your best efforts be rewarded with success.

May they bring you some of the happiness you deserve.

Namaste.

Reviews

A simple, but profound message to begin my day. May we all find happiness and peace in simply doing our best.

So true. So fitting. Just what I needed today. Thanks Tony. You are a dear one. 🙏🌈

That was delightful! Thank you 🙏. The imagery from this journey were so relaxing

Wise words. Something I need to take to heart today. Thank you. 🩵🙏

Very wise words. Looking forward to doing my best today…and every day. Thank you 🙏🏽

Thank you Tony for these calming and wise words. Namaste

Tony, your words of encouragement are invaluable on days when the steps feel particularly heavy. Thank you for your continued dedication!🙏

Just had a few minutes this morning and this helps. 20%, 80%… I get it!

You just offer the loveliest perspectives. Thank you for all your contributions here. 🙏

Thanks Tony for this
The first 20% brings in 80% of the result is interesting to consider.
🌟🎄🌟

Excellent reminder. And interesting quote. Thank you.

This came to me at the perfect time. I’ve been procrastinating on a project infear I wouldn’t be able to do it… Thank you Tony for your inspiration to jump right in and get it done. 🙏🏼

Wise words to remember and practice. Thank you Tony🙏

I love the thought that just starting gives me the energy and motivation to continue. Just start and do my best, seeing progress will keep keep me going. Thank you!!

I love this teachers, gentle insights and positive outlook. Thank you.

Thank you for this - it’s just what I needed to hear 🙏

It’s good to be reminded thank you. I’m a recovering perfectionist. 😊💕

Thank you Tony, I needed to hear this message this morning. Grateful for your offerings🙏

I'm a greatful Christian Actor singer with a Purpose and Courage amen and so it is!

A perfect message for a perfectionist! Thank you, Tony.