What is Perfection?

What does perfection mean to you?

A few weeks ago, I met perfection while eating a splendid dinner with my wife at a German Stube (a restaurant serving traditional food).

The dinner was nothing like a 3-star Michelin restaurant dinner, considered to be the pinnacle of gastronomy. However, it made a lasting impression on me for its own perfection.

Perfection that evening was excellent food and great pairing of wines, awesome presentation of each course, the shared moment with my wife, and the connection with the pleasure of tasting what had been created by the Chef.

This was not the 100% perfection I would have expected from the 3-star Michelin, but it was my perfection at this precise moment. And it was so enjoyable.

If that dinner were my life or work, I would also appreciate moments where not everything is 100% perfect. Because that kind of perfection always comes at a cost to us: Stress, anxiety, lack of balance.

Instead, I prefer focusing on moments with less absolute perfection, and more opportunities for enjoying smaller gifts: A task that went well at work, a good discussion with a friend or a colleague, a great dinner with close friends and family.

What I realize is that I do not want someone to define what perfection should be for me. I define what perfection means.

What does perfection mean to you? As an individual and as a leader? Who is defining perfection in your life today? Is it you or someone else? When is perfect perfect enough? Tell me what you think in the comments.

For comments or questions, please visit my website or contact me at pascal@p-m-coaching.com