Pastor Ken
Every so often, while traveling with my wife, we stumbled upon breathtaking landscapes that we wanted to capture together in a photo. Typically, we would look around for fellow travelers and offer to exchange photo-taking services. However, there were a few awkward moments when the person taking our picture appeared to be a bit of a perfectionist. He meticulously checked the lighting, chose the ideal position, adjusted our postures, and experimented with various camera settings. It felt as though time stood still. In popular photo spots, this often meant a long line of tourists waiting behind us impatiently.
I’m not particularly enthusiastic about taking photos at tourist attractions anymore. Over the years, I’ve amassed plenty of pictures of myself in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, windmills in Holland, fountains in Rome, and the Temple of Heaven in China. The more I looked at them, the less interested I became in these “classic” tourist snapshots. Nowadays, if you want to see images of famous landmarks, you can easily do so online. What I value more are a few simple photos that help me remember the places I’ve visited, regardless of their quality. But that’s just not my approach. A perfectionist might disagree and want to take each photo with great care.
I once visited a classmate’s dorm room, and it left a lasting impression. We were young then. Most men’s rooms reflected a “let nature take its course” philosophy. We usually placed our belongings wherever was convenient and left them there until needed again. However, this classmate stood out. Despite sharing a double room, his side, including the bed and desk, was immaculate, almost like a pristine hotel suite. When he opened his desk drawer to retrieve a pen, I noticed the stationery was well organized. He was a quintessential perfectionist, ensuring every item had its designated spot—not to impress others, but to meet his own high standards.
A hallmark of perfectionists is their inability to tolerate mistakes at any stage of a multi-step project. They often interpret minor flaws as indicators of complete failure. Consequently, they may hesitate to take the initial steps and feel compelled to plan and ensure every detail is perfect before commencing any action.
It is undeniable that certain professions—such as aircraft captains, surgeons, and accountants—demand meticulous adherence to operating procedures. However, most other types of work tolerate some margin for error in specific details. The potential for both human and natural errors has been anticipated. Our world is inherently imperfect. Especially when living organisms or elements of nature are involved, unpredictability increases. Thus, expecting perfection in daily life often leads to disappointment.
It is crucial to determine what aspects of our lives merit the pursuit of perfection. Whether or not we identify as perfectionists, striving for excellence in our moral character is essential. In our professional endeavors, it is sufficient to do our best within the constraints of time and available resources. When it comes to materials or leisure, we should set the boundary. For those deemed significant without involving other people, aiming for a higher standard may be warranted. Otherwise, functionality should suffice. Adopting this approach could help create a more enjoyable environment for ourselves and those around us.
