There are two famous recommendations that I don't believe
are helpful. They are supposed to lead to the "good life"
but I don't think they work: The first is "moderation in
all things" and the second is the quest for "perfection."
Regarding moderation, I much prefer the wonderful quote
from May West that "too much of a good thing is just
right." What a great attitude!
I deserve LOTS of great things in my life! I deserve
all the health, joy, love, great memories, passion and
fulfillment I can get!
Now, I admit, I have noticed that moderation in some things
is a good thing. Moderation in drinking, for instance,
seems to reduce hangovers, accidents, addiction, and all
sorts of embarrassing moments. Moderating my consumption of
chips seems to be a good thing. (Super Bowl
Sunday may be an exception - I'm still checking data on
that one.)
Moderating my spending to match my income seems to be a
good thing.
But when it comes to the things that make life worth-while,
I HATE moderation! Why would I settle for a "little"
happiness when the world seems designed to fill my life
with joy?! Why would I work like a slave, when wealth and
play and freedom and love are all around me? Sure, I have
to work to earn money (and to make my unique contribution),
but I'd much rather practice "moderation" in work and "let
'er rip" when it comes to joy and personal development!
I don't believe in "moderation in all things." Be very,
very careful about the things you "practice in moderation!"
Similarly, trying to make life "perfect" is a trap. Very
few things in life are "perfect" because life is always
changing. If it was perfect a moment ago, it may already be
deteriorating or evolving into something new. Or my tastes
may have changed - perhaps I've outgrown it - and I'm no
longer satisfied. Very few things in life are "perfect."
More importantly, since we aren't perfect, very few of the
things we do are perfect. There's a wonderful quote about
Howard Hughes that for all his genius and wealth and
determination, "he sought a perfection that assured
failure."
Don't do that to yourself! It doesn't work out well.
Instead, strive for excellence. Strive for a GREAT life,
not a perfect one. Trouble happens. Mistakes happen. Bad
luck and misfortune, and yes, evil raises its head and
tragedy happens, but good things happen, too. Excellence
and wisdom, love and joy never go out of style. We never
outgrow our desire for celebration, achievement, personal
growth and learning new things.
I am totally convinced it is possible to live a World Class
Life! In fact, I believe it is the MINIMUM we should
expect of ourselves. Who would choose to live a mediocre
life? Who would choose to develop only part of their
potential, to use only some of their talent or a bit of
their creativity? No one would do that!
are helpful. They are supposed to lead to the "good life"
but I don't think they work: The first is "moderation in
all things" and the second is the quest for "perfection."
Regarding moderation, I much prefer the wonderful quote
from May West that "too much of a good thing is just
right." What a great attitude!
I deserve LOTS of great things in my life! I deserve
all the health, joy, love, great memories, passion and
fulfillment I can get!
Now, I admit, I have noticed that moderation in some things
is a good thing. Moderation in drinking, for instance,
seems to reduce hangovers, accidents, addiction, and all
sorts of embarrassing moments. Moderating my consumption of
chips seems to be a good thing. (Super Bowl
Sunday may be an exception - I'm still checking data on
that one.)
Moderating my spending to match my income seems to be a
good thing.
But when it comes to the things that make life worth-while,
I HATE moderation! Why would I settle for a "little"
happiness when the world seems designed to fill my life
with joy?! Why would I work like a slave, when wealth and
play and freedom and love are all around me? Sure, I have
to work to earn money (and to make my unique contribution),
but I'd much rather practice "moderation" in work and "let
'er rip" when it comes to joy and personal development!
I don't believe in "moderation in all things." Be very,
very careful about the things you "practice in moderation!"
Similarly, trying to make life "perfect" is a trap. Very
few things in life are "perfect" because life is always
changing. If it was perfect a moment ago, it may already be
deteriorating or evolving into something new. Or my tastes
may have changed - perhaps I've outgrown it - and I'm no
longer satisfied. Very few things in life are "perfect."
More importantly, since we aren't perfect, very few of the
things we do are perfect. There's a wonderful quote about
Howard Hughes that for all his genius and wealth and
determination, "he sought a perfection that assured
failure."
Don't do that to yourself! It doesn't work out well.
Instead, strive for excellence. Strive for a GREAT life,
not a perfect one. Trouble happens. Mistakes happen. Bad
luck and misfortune, and yes, evil raises its head and
tragedy happens, but good things happen, too. Excellence
and wisdom, love and joy never go out of style. We never
outgrow our desire for celebration, achievement, personal
growth and learning new things.
I am totally convinced it is possible to live a World Class
Life! In fact, I believe it is the MINIMUM we should
expect of ourselves. Who would choose to live a mediocre
life? Who would choose to develop only part of their
potential, to use only some of their talent or a bit of
their creativity? No one would do that!
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