Not Perfect, But Good Enough Now

I am not perfect. I never will be. I acknowledge that logically. But in my day-to-day life, that need to be right, to be perfect, still dominates my mentality. Blame it on stereotypes, the Asian American model minority. Or perhaps moving around a lot as a child, always being the new kid, getting picked on for being new and different, not doing things the “right” way like the other kids. Whatever the source, it’s how I grew up, and it bothers me.

Funny, right? I would think that perfect is good, by definition it can’t be better. Yet the world we live in today, is not a perfect reality. Instead I am trying to embrace an environment where “good enough” is the essential paradigm. “Good enough” changes the world, when paired with action. That’s the problem with “perfect”; no matter how I strive for it, I’m never going to get there. I’m coming from a position of negativity, of criticism, what can I fix.  Instead, the most important trait I want to cultivate is action. Not blind, reckless action, but “good enough” action.

Of course improvement is good. But that’s the thing, there is always a “better”. Having the presence of mind to recognize an opportunity and take action. It’s a lot of theory right now as I try to coalesce the thoughts swirling in my head.  Consider a few examples:

• Ideally, software should be bug-free. But in a world of “now”, striving for that perfect version means falling behind to competitors releasing “good enough” copies then fixing the bugs as they come up. I’d rather have a program that’s 90% useful right now, than have to wait a week for 100%.
• News used to be published strictly overnight, distributed via the morning paper. Now there is live tweets, instant feedback. The emphasis isn’t on perfect, but rather, “good enough” and fast.
• Personal example: I have been taking salsa classes for several months now, but only recently started going out social dancing. A big reason it took so long is because I was worried about being perfect. Even now if I go out with that mentality of perfection, I’m not going to have  a good time because I’m worried about getting it right, and my partner won’t have a good time because she’ll pick up on my worries. It reminds me of my high school speech and debate days. Yes I needed to know generally what I talked about, but more importantly was presenting the impression that I knew what I was saying. Owning my words and actions with full confidence even as I improvised.

I think what’s really the key in a “good enough now” world:

1. Some kind of background/expertise as a foundation (e.g. 90% working release, journalism background, some dance knowledge)
2. Action.
3. Owning the action and the ability to improvise and respond (e.g. acknowledging/fixing bugs as they come up, defending statements made in a quick news release, shrugging off mistake on the dance floor with a smile)

In theory it all makes sense to me. In practice.. well, old habits die hard.

Work Life Balance

America is a workaholic nation. Can you remember the last time you truly took a vacation, disconnected completely from work? If the Blackberry came along with you, that doesn’t count. Blame capitalism. Blame our Protestant work ethic.

What I’ve been realizing is that even though I actively involve myself with hobbies that have nothing to do with my professional life whatsoever, I’m still thinking in a work-mentality. By that I mean, I tend to think towards the future a lot, towards outcomes. I’m not entirely in the moment in conversations because I focus on where the conversation is going, For example, names are generally exchanged in the beginning of a conversation. Halfway through the conversation when I realize, hey I like this person, I also realize fuck, I don’t remember his/her name! And that is because at the beginning of the conversation I’m thinking ahead towards what I’m going to say.

Outcome-oriented thinking works in business. In fact, it’s essential. At the end of the day, Wall Street, your company’s shareholders, only care about the bottom line. Revenue is the key metric, and it matters less whether that was achieved by increasing sales or decreasing costs. In life, or at least, in the areas of life I find personally fulfilling (social interaction, arts, sports, etc), it’s not so much the end result that’s important. It’s the journey. It’s how we get there. I mean, if I want to be morbid, we’re all going to die eventually, so what’s the point of life? It’s the journey.