"I am not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well"

The essence of this quote is all about finding a balance between striving for excellence and being overly critical. It's like saying, "I don't have to hit 100% every time, but I want to make sure I'm giving my best effort."

Historically, this mindset has been relevant in many contexts. Think about the workplace. In the 1980s, there was a massive push for total quality management in manufacturing industries. Companies were obsessed with minimizing defects to almost zero. But this often led to burnout and unsustainable work environments. The quote suggests a healthier approach: commit to doing a good job without getting bogged down by the unrealistic need for perfection.

Let's consider a real-world example. Picture a chef in a bustling restaurant. They aim to serve delicious, beautifully presented dishes to every customer. But sometimes, things go awry. Maybe the steak is a tad overcooked, or the sauce isn't as thick as they'd like. A perfectionist might meltdown over these minor flaws. But a chef who embodies the quote’s spirit would focus on making sure the overall dining experience is pleasurable—even if the meal isn’t flawless. They still aim for high standards, but they don't let minor imperfections ruin their day.

Applying this wisdom to your life can be transformative. Start by setting realistic standards for yourself. Whether it’s a project at work, a hobby, or even personal relationships, aim to do your best but accept that some imperfections are natural and okay. Perfectionism often leads to procrastination because you're waiting for the 'perfect' moment or the 'perfect' conditions—which never come. Instead, just get started and be okay with something being “good enough” rather than perfect.

Imagine you're preparing a presentation for a big meeting. You might be tempted to spend countless hours tweaking every slide to perfection. But what if you focused on making sure your core message is clear and your data is accurate, without obsessing over every detail? You'd save time and reduce stress, and your presentation would still be effective.

Alright, here’s a quick story to drive it home. My friend Sarah is an artist. She used to get so caught up in making every single detail of her paintings perfect that she rarely finished any piece. One day, she decided to just complete one painting every week, no matter what. Initially, it was hard for her to let go of imperfections. But over time, she found that her work still maintained its high quality, and she actually enjoyed the creative process more. She even started to see beauty in the little 'flaws' that made each piece unique. As a result, she became more productive and happier.

So, next time you're caught in the perfectionism trap, remember Sarah. It's about doing things well, not perfectly. Stop waiting for the perfect moment, and start appreciating the good in what you do. Your 90% effort is often more than enough.