Practically Perfect...

Practically Perfect in Every Way

In 1964 Walt Disney Studios released a movie called “Mary Poppins.” In one of the scenes Mary Poppins, a nanny, described herself as being “practically perfect in every way.” It’s a cute movie that I suggest you see for yourself.

“Practically perfect in every way” is a standard that many people attempt to achieve in life. The reality, however, is very few people reach that status in their lifetime. Author Leo Tolstoy said, “If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.”

No one, but the fictional Mary Poppins, is “practically perfect in every way.” A lot of people stand on the edge of a goal or something they want to do in life but refuse to take the leap because they believe that unless they can accomplish the goal, with complete perfection, it is no sense in doing it.

 It was author Ray Bradbury who said, “I found you can't wait to become perfect, you got to go out and fall down and get up with everybody else.”

What most people do not realize is that all the people that we think, are perfect mess up more than all of us because they understand that mistakes lead to success. They believe that, as my piano teacher used to tell me, “perfect practice makes permanent.”

If you ever have a chance to go see an orchestra you will think that you are hearing perfection. I assure you, as a musician myself, that someone in that orchestra hits a wrong note. To you, their music sounds perfect but to the musician they know they are far from perfect and mistakes will happen.

Ralph Marston said, “Perfection in any endeavor is an aiming point, not a starting point. Let the desire for it push you, but don't let the absence of it stop you. If you're ever going to get anything done, you must start somewhere. More specifically, you must start where you are.

Even in our world of instant fortunes, instant communication and instant gratification, it is still true that anything of true and lasting value takes time and effort. Aim for perfection, and follow the less-than-perfect road that will get you there.”

I Believe in you!

John Carver

johnwcarver.com