The Desire to be Perfect

A young boy travelled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.
“What do you wish from me?” the Master asked.
“I wish to be your student and become the finest Karateka in the land,” the boy replied.
“How long must I study?”
“Ten Years at least,” the master answered.
“Ten years is a long time”, said the boy. “What if I studied twice as hard as your other students?”
“20years” replied the master.
“20years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?”
“30 years”, was the master’s reply.
“How is it that each time I say I will work harder you tell me it will take longer?” the boy asked.
“The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way”


I’ve been reflecting on perfectionism recently.

How ironic that often the drive to be the best can sometimes cause that thing which is sought, relaxation and satisfaction, to be replaced with anxiety and restlessness. That often in the process of trying to achieve flawlessness we actually destroy the thing which we are trying to improve.

I don’t want to imply that we should not improve or hope to achieve our potential. But perhaps viewing perfection as wholeness rather than flawlessness is more useful: one makes us tight whilst the other has a much different and more positive effect on how we feel about ourselves.

What have been your experiences?