The 'perfection' problem

Long back in the 90's there was an Ad which featured Sachin Tendulkar trying to write a letter to a girl he admires. He tries and tries but the right words does not seem to come to his mind leaving a trail of crumpled papers - until he finally gets it and is happy with the outcome.

That's one vague example. Perfection could be anything and can be in everything big or small. However, it's mostly the ability to not settle for less. To do whatever you are doing in the best possible manner. But then that's all good - where's the problem? 

The quest for perfection makes people achieve great things but to some it may create some very basic problems. I will run a race but at least a sub 2 hr half marathon. I will write a book but only when I have the best idea. I will click pictures but only when I am good enough to be a professional. Now, all these have a clear end goal but there is wide gap between right now and where they want to be.

A perfectionist by nature will struggle in these endeavours. Perfection is the end result not the first step. Today's times are focussed on speed not quality. If there's a balance somewhere, that's great but even otherwise it's acceptable. 'Doing' something is a lot more important, even if its mediocre than it being time consuming and not guranteed exceptional. There is a huge rush of doing things and not so much on how you do it.

George RR Martin, is struggling to get his sixth novel out in the song of ice and fire series. The exceptions are high, the popularity is through the roof and there is previous reputation that is on the line. Yet, he can afford to take his time - not a first time writer.

By the time, a perfectionist writer brings in his body of work to his satisfaction - there would be five mediocre novels out by a not so perfectionist writer. One of them may work as well, giving him more leverage and resources to do better next time. And the work of our perfectionist writer may still fail to appeal after years of efforts. He falls back into the shell deeper and deeper.

The problem of perfection is great to have; if it does not hinder the mediocre steps that needs to be taken to reach there. As they say, Rome was not built in a day and it holds true for all things. 

Being a master sculptor like Michelangelo is a noble aspiration but the day to day inspiration should be the woodpecker who keeps at it no matter what. And then maybe, just maybe, one day, there is art that is inspiring and soulful but at the same time flawed and fallible, and so relatable.