Perfection Is The Enemy Of Action

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

I’m reminded of the Ricky Bobby quote, “If you’re not first, you’re last.” This is a very destructive thought pattern. It will lead to a lot of frustration and perfection. Great athletes seem to have this Micheal Jordan and Tiger Woods are two who come to mind. While great, what did they sacrifice to get there. What frustrations did they go through when they didn’t win. What demons formed from that. Woods’ demons came to light eventually. I’m not sure Jordan’s ever did. That’s okay. I’ve chosen a life or pragmatism. I’m happy where am at and excited to see where it takes me. I don’t need to be the greatest in my field. I’m just happy to contribute.

Stick With Just The Facts

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Look at things objectively and not emotionally. Someone speaking bad about me is someone speaking bad about me. It’s very easy to say do this. It’s very hard when the initial response can often be emotional. Remembering that and moving on.

Start With Where The World Is

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Don’t let perfection be the enemy. I’d never accomplish anything. I feel I do this pretty well. I’m willing to get something most of the way there and then push forward with it. I’m willing to accept what it is and make adjustments from there. The last sentence has some interesting insight. Essentially, don’t let ego or excuse get in the before and after. I find that interesting. Even after we’ve moved forward with whatever it is we shouldn’t get too excited or down on the outcome. We accept it for what it is and move forward. I feel that is something I am working on both professionally and personally. I feel like I have swings in my emotional state and that could be from the fact that I have highs from doing something well and lows from doing stuff not so well. Being even keel will limit the emotional swings.

Pragmatic and Principled

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

No matter where I am or what I do, I can live a pragmatic and principled life. I feel like I’m trying to do a lot of that already. People see my LinkedIn profile or watch some of my talks and think I’m this or that kind of person. I’m also a brother, a father, and a friend. I should live the same throughout.

There Is Always More Room To Maneuver Than You Think

I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.

Defeatism leads to defeat. Looking for opportunities can also lead to defeat, but it also has a chance of leading to a better outcome. At the very least looking for opportunities allow us to grow. It’s something you have to teach children playing a game. They can’t and won’t always win the game or in life. Having a defeated attitude doesn’t allow them to grow or learn. Instead focus on the opportunities and small wins from those.

I’ve talked a lot about golf and how we can get into this state. I’ll take a break from that for a moment to talk about Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. He has his players focused on the small things and doing those really well. They may end up losing the game, but they have a chance to win if they focus on the next opportunity. Ask the Atlanta Falcons how that worked out for them.