Phil Lauterjung

I believe we should strive for 100% as human beings. However, the old joke regarding IT projects comes to mind. The first 95% of the project takes 95% of the time and the next 5% takes 95% of the time. Sometimes we need to say something is close enough and move on.

Rob

To qualify my comments I think that a lot of people do just enough to get by. Why work hard if you don't have to and you get the same rewards as the person that busts his hump ?

Steve, I have an answer for that. It is all about personal integrity.

YOU know you did your best or didn't. That is a reward in itself.

There is nothing more depressing than knowing that you didn't go for it, that you were mediocre on purpose. It is one of the worst feelings you can feel. Even if you justify why it was ok and how no one else doesn't anything anyway, etc. you'll not be ok with it at all.

Then the next time it will be easier to give 35% or whatever you deem to be "acceptable". What a horrible existence!

Wow, that's something to think about.

I'm not so sure about the right and the wrong in this, but I know what factors motivate me to turn out something less than perfect, or to be pendant to the last.

An example is a photo album I made for a friend's fiance yesterday. It's something he can give to her for her birthday, it's custom made, with a lilac satin covering and a satin lily on the front. All hand made.

There's also a number of flaws.

The first is that the glue the shop assured me was fine for fabric turned out to be messy and didn't stick all that well without using a lot and it made marks on the fabric, fortunately nothing too obvious on the outside. The second is that the internal pages lining the cover didn't stick down nice and smooth either. The third is the cardboard i used isn't cut totally straight.

My friend loves it, he hasn't given it to his fiance yet, but those flaws bug me.

Here's what motivates me to send this one and not start again;

- My friend loves it. He's happy with it.
- It took me several hours to do, and I'm limited in how much I can do in a day.
- The cost of the materials was much higher than I expected, so I can't afford to do it a second time.
- There isn't time to do it again before her birthday.

These are all reasonable factors, however it still bothers me that the album isn't as good as I'd hoped. Admittedly it was my first try, but I like things to be a good quality.

Other times I've settled for less was when I was working to a prohibitive time limit that I couldn't extend, when I was working with a client who simply wouldn't listen to reason (I've taken to avoiding those types of clients now), and when I've already spent far more time on a project than is reasonable for my schedule. None of these are justification, they're just factors. I also find that my own personal motivation plays a role, after long enough you just get too tired to think properly about something.

Some things that help me to polish off a project;

Working in little chunks
Taking a day's break
Getting opinions from colleagues
Making a checklist of the important elements
Making sure I'm keeping my health up and my stress levels low, with regular breaks, snacks, etc.

I also think that 100% is possibly a transient term, it's like the word 'perfect'. It all comes down to perception. There are in many instances a measurable bench mark (for example the cases of wrong children being given to parents, or tax figures being added up incorrectly) but in many other instances it can be hard to define perfection. There are obvious standards of work in most professions, but the line between perfect and 99.5% is very fine and a lot of it comes down to personal taste, particularly in industries like mine - graphics and web design.

So perhaps instead of wondering whether less than perfect is ok or not, maybe the question should be around what can be done to help facilitate the best possible result. For example, human error can never be totally avoided, but if Drs were limited to the number of hours they could work in 24 (like truck drivers are), then perhaps medical procedures would go more smoothly. I'm not sure if they are limited or not, but I knew a dr who routinely worked fifteen hour shifts and survived on coffee - it's a scary thought.

Bridget, you are such a quality artist and designer. I enjoy working with you because you want to get it right. You go the extra mile and make it!

Reading over your post made me realize how some people just probably give up on perfection because someone has come along and said that they aren't even close because of some reason or other. When a person is told they aren't able to do something long enough they sometimes believe them.

With some things, like art, perfection is relative. It is a viewpoint. I may write a story and consider it done, perfect. Someone else may read it and decide it isn't. I suppose if enough people think it is flawed I should look at that, but I tend to be a bit stubborn. I don't like to rewrite a piece until the life is stripped out of it. I prefer to move on (unless of course I'm writing for a client, but I've been wonderfully fortunate is having clients who trust my judgment).

In your case, with the album, you definitely made the right call. He loved it. Sounds pretty perfect to me. Sometimes those little "flaws" are part of the perfection. Maybe that was part of the charm to him.

I taped the Academy Awards and am watching it as I can (10 mins at a time, fast forwarding, etc). The make up award went to Star Trek (YAY. I'm a huge Trekkie). I thought of you, Phil because the winners thanks JJ Abrams for demanding perfection!

So, expecting and going for perfection won them an Academy Award!!

Hiya,

I addressed this topic, at least as it applies to writing in the following (short) article:

THE ONE ESSENTIAL, NON-NEGOTIABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE FREE SECRET TO
WRITING SUCCESS


What is it?

All of us already possess it.

We use it daily, and, in most aspects of our lives, have honed it to a scalpel’s keenness.

Is it creativity?

No, creative people rarely have time to sit down at a keyboard, as they are too busy feng shui-ing their

way through the house and garden.

Genius?

Certainly not. Unfulfilled genius is so common it has become a cliché.

Determination?

Nope, determined people die, every day; sad, shrunken and frustrated.

Dedication? (See Determination)

The One Essential, Non-Negotiable, Non-Transferable FREE Secret to Writing Success is, of course,

Denial.

Never underestimate the power of Denial.

Now that there are officially more writers than readers the skill of Denial is more important, nay, more

crucial than ever.

Don’t deny your Denial; celebrate, revel in it!

Sweet Denial is the single guaranteed skill that will GET YOU THROUGH the first draft of your current novel:
YES, the writing is compelling!

YES, the characters are gripping, well-rounded, and earnest!

YES, the book will be published, promoted, and lauded!

In truth, the writing will probably be spotty and in dire need of revision. The characters, so sparky and real

in your mind’s-eye, will be somewhat stale and inconsistent. A publisher is not waiting, pen poised, with a

six-figure contract for you to sign.

But the good news is, because of Denial, we have made it through. We have finished a first draft and now

the real writing, rewriting, can begin.

We all looked at ourselves in the bathroom mirror this morning, and despite our blemishes, bulges and

imperfections, went out to face the world. And to a certain unDeniable degree, we all succeed in a million

tiny, and ultimately telling, ways everyday.

As writers we need to apply our finely-tuned skills of Denial directly to our writing. Not to undermine our

enthusiasm for writing on a daily basis, but to make it easier. Accept the fact that it’s difficult to write and

realize that: a) What we write might not be good—but with work and rewriting can be improved. b) If it is

good it might not be published—at least not right away. And c) If it is published it might not sell—no Silver

Lining here, just something to be aware of and prepared for. Sorry.

Think for a minute: of all the modern life-coping-skills we possess Denial is the one that has evolved into

an unconscious art-form. Raise your hands, please, anyone who doesn’t utilize, on an hourly basis, the

following Denials:

My job/marriage/stock portfolio/commute will get better.

I’ll start working out, eating smart, and lose a few pounds.

The children are just going through that annoying phase.

We can easily turn this global warming thing around.

Ruth Gordon said, "Never give up and face the facts." This is dandy advice. As writers we should lighten

up, lower our expectations and allow ourselves to turn out well-intentioned dreck. It can always be

rewritten, but it must first be written.

Utilize Denial as a tool to make your writing easier. Pretend you’re writing gems and at least you’re

producing some rocks that can be polished to eventually look like gems.

Sadly—and happily—the world is what we see it as. Writers need to use this cosmic loophole to our

advantage. Don’t procrastinate because your writing isn’t good enough. Pretend you’re good enough and

finish that first draft. Improve your writing through writing—utilizing the positive power of Denial.

** ** **

Rob’s book How to Write a Novel and Still Have Time for Sex: 12 Essays on Writing is available at www.lulu.com\rloughranjokes. He has ultilized DENIAL to write and publish 22 books. He lives in Windsor, CA.

I happen to believe that striving for 100% [or more} is what makes for great. I don't care if you work for Walmart or McDonald's, or a big top 100 company. It doesn't matter. Be the absolute best you can be, because you aren't just delivering to the Company, you are being the best YOU. This is what defines entrepreneurs. This is what sets you apart from everyone else, who is content to give 95% or even lower. I have had people working for me who figured out that if they gave 80%, it would be enough for them to keep their job - they usually didn't get to keep it all that long. I have had others whose personal best was never good enough for them - even though they were extraordinary, visionary, marvelous people. What separated them was not accepting less than they thought was their ultimate best. These people I cherish. They would be great no matter what they do. And they are always looking to improve, never satisfied with what they have already accomplished. They are golden. They are unique.

So, do you want to be ranked with the "average" 95% group? Or do you want to be one of the people that everyone goes to when they want something done and done terrifically? Your choice, but I know where I would like to be.

This seems like an interesting point. Are we saying here that we should expect more from all our services?

True human error always comes in to companies and their decisions, so while it is good to strive for 100% we should be easy on ourselves and others if we/them don't reach it.

I once scored 100% on a test but I did this without revising so I hadn't actually put in the effort and this felt more like luck than anything.

This seems like a grey area from the two sides seeming to form here. I think we have to accept that not everyone will strive for 100% because they see it as impossible.

Sorry if this comment seems a bit scatter-shot but kept thinking of different things.

These things splinter a little bit though, don't they? If you're present for 40 hours (let's say), slack off for 12 of them and still turn in a flawless product how do the percentages work out then? When you consider the process as well as the point, "100 percent" starts to lose meaning. I don't think it's possible to always aim for perfection, but we can improve our processes and thereby increase the likelihood of better outcomes.

Improving is always a good goal, but that doesn't mean that you can't aim for perfection. The two aren't mutually exclusive.

Also, time has nothing to do with perfection as you have seen. I have noticed that I can run several "full time" jobs in the course of a day. It's all about time management and decision to get it done. If person A does the job is 20 hours and person B does it is 10, it really doesn't matter. You just care about the product.

I think you bring up a good point though. Improvement is something you can always track and strive to attain. It might be a better goal for some. Reading through these comments I am guessing some people have been slapped down hard for one reason or another. It is sad for me that some give up on the idea of perfection. This world can be tough on people. I encourage everyone to be the best you can be always and strive to improve.

Human beings are not 100% perfect. We should always strive and work towards improvements, but to expect perfection in all aspects of life is a true disease. The ICD (International Classification of Disease) has a billing code for this disorder.

I don't want to be perfect, being human is good enough for me.

Ginny, I like your comment about being human is good enough. I don't think any of us can lay claim to being perfect. The logical extension of that is then what does become our standard? Or should there even be a standard other than doing our best?

Don Miguel Ruiz says it in his book "The Four Agreements". The last agreement is "always do your best, your best is going to change from moment to moment, it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick..."

That little book is my all time favorite, it is always on a table, but I have never read it fully from front to back. I read it "as needed".

Wow, Ginny! Being and striving for perfection is not a disease. Just because someone in a white coat and decreed it to be so, doesn't mean it is.

Ginny, think back. I'm sure you can recall a time that you did achieve perfection in something. Did you ever get 100% correct on a test? Or take a picture that was just perfect? I love your sunflowers and think they are pretty perfect. Or maybe you had a perfect day? Or you wrote something and just knew that it was right?

I believe that we are all capable of being much more than we currently are. Remember that people can tell you that you can't do something, but it really is only true when you believe it and act on it. I, personally, strive to disagree with invalidation and then go for proving them wrong.

I grew up on a farm and one of the daily chores was feeding the animals. One day I decided that I decided that it would be ok to sleep in and not feed the cattle, because they could graze in the field all day I was surprised when my mother decided not to put a plate on the table for me.

We were taught to strive for 110% and then if something didn’t go right you would hit at least 100%. I have lived my life this way.

I do think there are times it is ok to be less than 100%. Medical procedures always have risks. If they waited until the procedure was 100% fool proof we would not have heart bypass, or cancer treatment. If you had a 95% chance of improving your life would you try it or would you need a 100% guarantee?

Wow, Julia, what a great lesson from your mother! Yes, I agree that there are times when 100% isn't possible, but who knows, if we expect 110%, we might just achieve the "impossible"!

Yes, I completely agree! I think there is nothing wrong with making 100% a goal, as long as it realistically assumes a human factor and doesn't put people off because they get frustrated when they can't always reach it.

When I was growing up, there used to be a saying: " Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." It boils down to taking pride in a job well done, unfortunately too many people just don't care anymore.

Close doesn't even count in horse shoes. Take it from a horse owner.

Steve, I still hear that saying from time-to-time; and, you are right that it boils down to taking pride in doing a job well. I am curious about your comment on people not caring any more. How about the rest of this group - do you think what Steve is saying is true? If so, why is it true?

Steve, I think we can do something about that! Even just standing up and setting a good example, helping others when we can, makes a difference. You can, I care, others on the list care - that's a good start!

Ah what a great question! It makes sense to me that in everything we do, 100% should be the goal. Realistically, 100% is obviously not achievable. Consider, there ARE airline accidents, IRS refunds DO get lost/messed up, mail does disappear forever, etc. Less than 100% shouldn't be a goal, however. That would be counter productive, as you've noted, but certainly we are all humans, accidents will happen, and mistakes will be made. If we were allowed to flog the IRS agent that screwed up our refund, I'd be all for it though! :D

Flog the IRS agent? LOL. But I'm not sure I would only limit the flogging to refunds, I am sure there are other deserving infractions for the IRS. :-)

hahaha! I totally agree! ;-)

Roxanne, I love that you say that 100% should be our goal. What if we extended that out and made that our expectation. I'm not suggesting people be fired if they fall short, but if people started expecting error free, I think standards would soar.

I'm working on a pilot to teach parents how to teach their very young children to play chess. I am going for 100%, because when I launch it I want to make a difference. I want parents to be able to apply it regardless of the situation.

That attitude has helped me create a very cool course and I'm still tweaking to get the 100% down. It's amazing how empowering that attitude as been. :-)

Phil, I am gone through a personal evolution on this point. I used to agree with the viewpoint, "you can't achieve perfection, so why bother". When I changed my viewpoint I realized that you CAN actually achieve perfection. I think people stop themselves from getting there, because they think they can't.

You are right that 99 44/100 just isn't enough for certain commodities, despite working for Ivory. It sounds good, but let's all go for 100% and not stop until we achieve it!