Sometimes, "good" is the perfect path we've been seeking all along

Ever wonder about that persistent feeling of not doing enough? Am I sufficiently invested at work? Do I prioritize my health adequately? Is my commitment to my relationships satisfactory? What about my skincare routine, contributions to my country, and efforts for the environment and society? The list seems never-ending. This constant internal conflict, coupled with the swift passage of time, triggers a lingering concern: Do I even have enough time to do enough? And how do I even define 'enough'? Will it at some point be truly enough, or is the pursuit of enough an unattainable goal?

For me, this sensation became particularly pronounced after my thirties. I don't recall being in this constant state of uneasiness before then, perhaps because I used to believe time was an abundant resource. Then to pursuit being sufficient, the question becomes a matter of prioritization. Should I focus on myself, my relationships, my work, or my health? Can I dedicate my time and efforts equally? This ongoing battle has, at times, left me immobilized, contemplating everything yet accomplishing nothing—a frozen state in time and place.

Lately, what's prevented me from remaining stuck in this state is a simple affirmation: "anything is better than nothing." It's a departure from my previous perfectionist mindset. Formerly, I believed in either executing tasks flawlessly or not attempting them at all. Whether it was adhering to a strict gym schedule or pursuing the perfect skincare routine, I held myself to unrealistic standards. However, with life's increasing demands, I've come to accept that sometimes "good" is perfect.

This shift in mindset has had a profound impact on various aspects of my life. As a scientist working in a research lab, my approach to experimental design and execution has evolved. Instead of aiming for the perfect plan, more than sufficient reagents and materials, and ample time, I now focus on maximizing results with existing resources. This adjustment hasn't compromised quality but has significantly reduced the time invested, proving that even in an less-than-ideal setting, we can get satisfactory results. Similarly, my fitness routine no longer adheres to a rigid schedule. While I may not manage three workouts a week, one hour each, I manage to incorporate walks or runs whenever an opportunity arises.

Another impact of this mindset is writing my very own blog. For the longest time, starting a blog was a desire that never turned into reality. But here I am, finally writing my first post. what led me here is the realization that my constant feeling of not doing enough stemmed from a reluctance to act, driven by the belief that I could never achieve perfection. What helped me start breaking free from this cycle (still there is long way to go) was accepting that perfection is unattainable. There will never be a perfect time, and waiting for it accomplishes nothing. So, enough with the self-imposed limitations; it's time to do it because sometimes "good" is the perfect path we've been seeking all along.