We’ve all heard the traditional version of this adage, “Practice Makes Perfect,” but I think this revision more closely resembles real life.
I don’t know about you, but for me perfect is an elusive target. It’s like moving toward a destination, only once I get there I can see something just a little bit better right around the bend; and the cycle repeats as I move further down the road. I never get there.
Perfect is not a realistic destination for me, and I’ve learned to embrace that. I can always be a more masterful therapist – unending room for growth is one of the things I love about it. My house can always be a little more organized – so I am never bored. My writing can always be better – which allows me to challenge myself. I can always be of more service – so I am conscious of others. And my website….don’t even get me started!
When I engage in my life because the practice is a valuable process, rather than a means to an end, I am disappointed less and I enjoy more. Let me say that again, “I am disappointed less and I enjoy more.” Hmm…that sounds good to me.
The choice to see life as an ongoing process instead of a series of events has profound implications. Practice becomes a way of living; its value is inherent regardless of the outcome. Regardless of the outcome? Now that’s going to make a few heads swim.
I realize that this runs counter to the indoctrination of our outcome-based society. We are all about “outcomes.” We want to see results; know the bottom line; “show me the money!” And there’s nothing wrong with wanting outcomes, as long as they don’t become more important than the experience itself.
Practice Makes Process isn’t likely to become a new catch-phrase anytime soon, but I offer it as an alternative to the constant striving, fleeting satisfaction and endless disappointment of its predecessor.
It is possible to experience life as an ongoing process of being, learning and growing; whatever the outcome may be. I invite you to practice with me.