Holiday Greetings! I've been fascinated by the recent blog postings that are popping up all over discussing Breakdown, Breakthrough and its many messages. I love this dialogue, and seeing how the book rings different chords for different individuals, depending on their views and experiences.
Recently there's been discussion about the concept of doing "good enough" where good enough is acceptable. Some folks (men and women) truly resist this idea, and it feels wrong to them. One female lawyer wrote, "I would hate to tell my client, I've given you good enough." I certainly understand!
I believe that we Americans suffer from a resistance of the "good enough" approach more than other cultures do. Yet it's an important concept for women today, because so many of us slave to be perfect, and it's killing us.
My thinking is that there are places and spaces in our lives today where we don't have to be perfect, don't have to strive for the complete best, for the A+. But how can you learn to identify when "good enough" will be a satisfying approach?
One strategy is to evaluate what you value most highly, and put your strongest efforts there. But in areas that are not as critical, moderate your efforts (time and energy output) to match the degree of value you place on them.
For instance, I remember when my daughter was small (6 years old), and I had volunteered to help out with goodies for her school holiday party. I was working very late hours in my corporate job (due to an end-of-year crunch), and was also exhausted from Christmas and New Year preparations. I wanted to home-bake beautiful baked goods for my daughter's party, but felt too exhausted and worn out to do it.
Then I had an idea. I thought about what I valued most in this entire situation, which was:
1. Being with my daughter at her party, and enjoying it together
2. Contributing something meaningful to her party experience
3. Sharing with my daughter the joy of creating that meaningful something that she could be proud of
So, where could "good enough" fit in? I thought of a solution, and asked my daughter her opinion, and she was great with it. We decided to buy plain cupcakes (saving the time of preparing them), and we'd decorate them ourselves.
It worked. Good enough was perfect. She was proud of the cupcakes, we enjoyed the experience together, and it was a satisfying and joyful experience we shared.
We're not going to be satisfied with "good enough" in areas that mean the world to us. The key is to find areas those spaces and places where "good enough" still makes you feel proud, energized, and happy.
Can you find spaces and places where "good enough" will work for you this holiday season (and after)? Do you think "good enough" can ever feel ok?
Wishing you happy holidays that create satisfying and joyful memories.
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