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"بهبود مستمر بهتر از کمال به تأخیر افتاده است"

Mark Twain
Mark Twain Author
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Quote meaning
There's this idea that it's better to keep getting a little bit better all the time than to wait around trying to get everything perfect right from the start. Think about it like this: if you’re learning to play the guitar, you don’t wait until you’re a master to start playing songs. You start with the basics, improve step by step, and over time you get good. That’s what this quote is driving at.

Historically, this concept has been around for ages, but it really hit the big time in the 20th century with the rise of the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen. Kaizen is all about making small, consistent improvements in business and manufacturing. It helped Japanese companies like Toyota become giants by focusing on constant progress rather than perfection right out of the gate.

Let’s zoom in on a real-life example to see this in action. Imagine you're a writer working on a novel. If you waited until you had the perfect plot, the ideal character list, and every single word meticulously chosen before you started, you might never write a single page. Instead, you begin with a rough draft, knowing it’s not perfect. You write a chapter, then go back and revise. With each pass, the story gets tighter, the dialogue sharper. Eventually, you have a finished book that’s a thousand times better than if you’d waited for the perfect beginning.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start small. If you want to get fit, don’t wait until you’ve got the perfect workout plan or the ideal gym membership. Start with a daily 10-minute walk. Then maybe add some push-ups. Little by little, you’ll build a habit and see progress. The same goes for learning new skills or tackling big projects. Don’t be afraid to start messy—just start.

Now, let me tell you a story. Picture a young woman named Sarah who dreams of becoming a chef. She’s passionate about food but feels overwhelmed by the complexity of gourmet cuisine. Instead of waiting until she knows every technique and has the perfect kitchen, Sarah starts small. She begins by trying out simple recipes in her tiny apartment. Each week, she challenges herself with a new dish, learning from each attempt. Sometimes she burns things, sometimes the flavors are off—but every time, she gets a little bit better. Fast forward a year, and Sarah’s cooking up impressive meals that wow her friends and family. Had she waited for the perfect moment or perfect conditions, she might never have started at all.

The takeaway here is simple. Whether it’s improving your skills, working toward your dreams, or managing everyday tasks, don’t get bogged down by the idea of perfection. Embrace the journey of continuous improvement. You’ll find that over time, those small, consistent efforts add up to something amazing. And remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Get started, keep going, and you’ll be amazed at where you end up.
Related tags
Efficiency Goal setting Motivation Perseverance Personal growth Positive mindset Productivity Progress Self-improvement Success
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