They say that “Perfection is the Enemy of Done.” I guess I am my own worst enemy. When it comes to espresso, margaritas, and love I will not accept failure, half measure or even a half stop below perfection. I have spent years on my espresso; working and saving to buy better equipment; laboring over each shot; reading and learning wherever I could. Likewise I have spent my whole life in pursuit of love, and then in its betterment and refinement. I can be nigh obsessive about some topics.
On the other hand is my boat. I love sailing, don’t get me wrong. I love working on my boat too. I want her to be strong and capable and safe for my family. I don’t worry about the aesthetics though, and I don’t fret about the more minor details that affect our life within the boat. Things like rough woodwork, or a little plumbing improvement, or even matching plumbing standards, these things are a best effort consideration.
Once we started talking about it the reason for this dichotomy was immediately apparent to me. I spend my perfectionism where it can do me some good. World rocking coffee is achievable and worthwhile. A love nearing Hellenic proportions is, while not as easily attained certainly no less worthwhile. A perfect boat on the other hand seems to me to be a liability. The only ones I’ve known haven’t left the docks and if they did they would instantly cease to be perfect. So I choose my battles. With love, family, coffee, and margaritas, I pour on the effort and strive for perfection. With my boat, and those other things, I’ll accept done, and done well.