Business owners often ask me for advice on their brochures or advertising copy. The version I’m shown is probably the 800th version they’ve made.

As much as we would like perfection in both our business and personal life, the chances of actually achieving it are remote.

Writers and artists look at their work and realize they could have done more with that particular piece.

Get It Out There

When my wife and I go out, she spends more time picking out the right outfit than the time we’ll be out.

But those are the kinds of things that make us — us.

Guys slap something on and we’re ready to rock 'n roll.

We seek little pockets of perfection. Getting our hair just right, or picking something out of the closet that the mirror approves of.

Even if we aren’t 100 percent satisfied, the clock says it’s time to go to work like it or not.

Nothing makes the day go smoother than a compliment on how you look from your peers.

I always advise my business clients to just get it out there. You can make a flyer with paper and crayons. But it won’t create any business sitting on your desk waiting until it’s perfect.

Parameters Not Perfection

Some people tell me they are perfectionists. That must be a terrible way to live. You're constantly looking for faults and errors.

As a writer I hate typos, yet I make them all the time. Proofread something a hundred times and I still miss it.

Instead of perfection, why not consider parameters? Give yourself some space. Is 80 percent so bad rather than 100 percent?

If a baseball player succeeds just 30 percent of the time most likely he’ll end up in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The very best basketball players fail to make a basket half the time. They set parameters that are achievable and realistic. One hundred percent is neither achievable nor realistic.

Some Final Thoughts

Setting goals that are not attainable is not a healthy way to live. Many of us self-sabotage our best efforts.

Stopping smoking is an attainable goal, but it’s much harder without a plan — without parameters.

Are you a perfectionist or a pragmatist? Nothing wrong with trying for perfection just as long as you’re willing to be satisfied with less.

I know this blog isn’t perfect, but I can live with that.

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