Perfectionist vs. Good Enoughist

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06-09-2019, 09:21 AM

#41

sewnclog

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Join Date: Aug 2015

Location: Central Texas

Posts: 1,310

I used to be accused of being a perfectionist; my dad always used to so "if you're going to do a job- do it right or not at all". Never explaining it but as I aged I realized if not done right then someone has to come along behind you and do it right. But I too have come to realize done is better than a UFO.
And I guess I could say I am less than a casual housekeeper; it's a never-ending, thankless job and has to be done over and over and over. It So interferes with sewing and quilting and embroidery and any of our other fun hobbies! And all the gals or most any way in my monthly sewing class agree. Wish I could afford to hire someone to come in and clean a couple times a month! Glad to see I have a Lot of company. Keep quiltin' ladies!

Last edited by QuiltnNan; 06-09-2019 at 10:50 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps

06-09-2019, 09:26 AM

#42

Friday1961

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2012

Location: Texas

Posts: 2,369

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray

I have higher personal standards for some things than others.

This is absolutely true of me, too! Had I seen this comment before I commented myself, I might not have. I tend to be perfectionist about artistic things, not everyday things. I love a clean and orderly house but housework bores the living stuffing out of me and I just don't do it perfectly every day. But if I'm doing something creative, I tend to be pretty OCD about it, as I've already indicated.

06-09-2019, 09:51 AM

#43

pchp

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Colorado

Posts: 657

I feel like there's a balance to keep. I strive for perfect, but know and accept that it's not going to happen. So, it's a matter of whether I can accept the time and effort it would take to make it better. Sometimes I feel like it's worth re-doing something; sometimes I don't.

06-09-2019, 10:15 AM

#44

wildyard

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Upstate NY, north of Syracuse Area

Posts: 6,003

I agree that if I've done my very best, then it makes me happy, even tho I'll never achieve perfection!

06-09-2019, 10:18 AM

#45

judykay

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Michigan

Posts: 1,664

I saw a sign in a store yesterday and it was not a fabric store that said something like Better done and not perfect than not done at all. I try to be perfect but if I get too stressed over it I just say good enough.

06-09-2019, 10:19 AM

#46

joe'smom

Super Member

Join Date: May 2013

Location: Ballwin, MO

Posts: 4,210

I tend to be a perfectionist, but that doesn't mean I need things to be perfect. I think it means that my satisfaction in doing something comes from doing it right, to the extent that I can. I think we must all have a point when something is 'good enough,' that point is just set in a different place for each person. I definitely have a 'good enough' threshold, and I definitely agree that 'done is better than perfect.'

06-09-2019, 11:08 AM

#47

Darcyshannon

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2017

Location: Portland, OR

Posts: 2,244

First of all, I try to do all my work with intention because it feels right. Some projects and tasks require more effort and skill level. I save those for when I am fresh and ready. When I want to sew but a bit tired, I do chain piecing and lower level concentration tasks.

I know which projects require a higher standard and although I try to do all work well, I know when it is time to move on.

Nothing is perfect. Nothing. It is a mental construct. Things can be beautiful, neat, tidy, useful etc but time and matter means everything is in constant flux and something that was perfect in your eye may change quite quickly.

I make my quilts to be pleasing to my eye and the eye of the beholder. I want them to be warm and beautiful. Sometimes, I will work on a project made for someone else and work in designs or colors that aren’t my favorite. It stretches me and makes me glad that the recipient is getting the colors and design that is their preference.

06-09-2019, 11:20 AM

#48

bearisgray

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Join Date: May 2008

Location: MN

Posts: 24,392

I think it's okay to "own" what we do well. Why downplay ones' abilities and achievements?

As far as what could be done "better" -

are we able to change/improve?
do we want to improve?
does it matter to us (or to anyone near and/or dear to us)?

06-09-2019, 11:21 AM

#49

Rhonda Lee

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Southern, Utah

Posts: 1,233

Interesting thread. Reading the above comments really makes me stop and think. I think I'm a little of both. And I also grew up with the comment that if you do something do it right or find someone who can. That puts undo stress on most situations imho. I find myself overly critiquing quite often. And when fixing a problem and finding the courage to let it be if it doesn't fix is getting easier. Most everything I do is done well. This includes all aspects of life. I am conscientious about the outcome of all of it. So I do strive to do my best and have found out that so far in this life nothing is perfect. I can live with that.

06-09-2019, 11:31 AM

#50

Mousie

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Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Florida

Posts: 17,636

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhollifiel

The quilts in museums like Paducah, KY blow me away. So do those in every quilt show. That said, I have no intention ever to have my quilts shown in either venue. My quilts are destined for use, heavy use. I make those quilts that rest between your sheets and your comforter or spread, never seen but giving love to those who sleep beneath their warmth. My quilts go under your picnic spread. get drug around by toddlers across the lawn and in mud puddles, and find themselves under young teens at the beach. My quilts cover the laps of strangers in retirement homes, show up at fires where a child who has lost her bear is comforted because, serendipitously, the bear on her new quilt looks exactly like the special one she just lost. The quilts I make end up in dog beds and in the backs of cars. They also leave hospitals with children who had the misfortune of being there but often will only sleep with that quilt afterwards. They cover sick family who begin to feel better and enjoy doing seek and find with the fabrics used, only two of each!

Having no artistic gifts, I get by and no one seems to mind that I don't appliqué or paper piece and I use beautifully simple patterns. There's a world of need out there and I don't have time to be that particular. Yes, for me, done is better than perfect. I adore seeing those beautiful quilts in shows and museums but you won't find my quilts there. To my sisters and brothers who are the artists of the quilt world, kudos! Keep up the good work! I am taking care of the other end of the spectrum of quilters and enjoying it. The loving but utilitarian nature of quilting heritage is being taken care of by quilters like me. The quilt world is wide and all inclusive! Hooray for us all!

wow, I love this!