I am a perfectionist. Before starting anything, everything must be perfectly in place. I need ample time, no distractions, and all preparations complete. Only then can I begin “perfectly.”
This morning, I prepared for my day with utmost perfection. I laid out my workout clothes next to my bed, selected and ironed my outfit for work, and prepared a healthy breakfast in the fridge. I even reviewed my to-do list for tomorrow. Everything seemed flawless.
After finishing my morning workout, I showered and enjoyed my prepared breakfast. So far, everything was going perfectly. I dressed up, checked my appearance in the mirror, and thought to myself, “Perfect.” Finally, I was ready. All that remained was to get in the car and drive to work.
But once I started the car, problems arose. The first traffic light turned green, but the second was still red. “It’s not perfect yet,” I thought. So I waited in the car. After some time, the second light turned green. Could I start now? No, the first light had turned red again, and the third light was still yellow.
I waited and waited, hoping for all the lights to turn green simultaneously.
Expectation vs. Reality
Life often feels like this. “Someday, my abilities will be recognized.” “I’ll start when a better opportunity comes.” “It’s not the right time yet.” We keep preparing and waiting, only to find ourselves stuck, unable to move forward.
Hope and anticipation can sustain us. But waiting for all the traffic lights to turn green simultaneously is unrealistic. The world consists of things we can control and many things we cannot.
What We Should Do
I can perfect the things within my control. I can prepare for my day by working out, eating a healthy breakfast, and organizing my tasks. But I cannot control the sequence of traffic lights. Instead of waiting for perfection, I should just start driving.
When the first light turns green, it’s a lucky break. When the second light is red, I can pause and prepare for the next move. Perfection isn’t necessary. What matters is doing what I can now and adapting as circumstances change.
The Lesson of Perfectionism
The world rarely works according to our plans. However, doing our best with what’s within our control and flexibly adapting to external circumstances is the key to living a fulfilling life.
Blaming external conditions while doing nothing is irresponsible. On the other hand, failing to put in effort while waiting for external conditions to improve is a waste of one’s potential.
A Practical Example
Psychologist Viktor Frankl, in his book Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote, “The last of human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
I cannot control the traffic lights, but I can choose how I respond to them. By doing my best within the reality I am given and letting go of what I cannot control, I can keep moving forward.
Instead of waiting for everything to be perfect, start with what you can do right now.
