Perfection: “A Discipline for everyday life”
In today’s
world, people are often too lazy to bring perfection into their work and way of
living. They tend to take everything for granted, leading a mediocre life. Only
a few people in the world today truly lead a life of perfection—a life that
requires discipline, effort, and even their sweat and blood. In the West, to
some extent, people live more disciplined lives. But the question remains: when
will we embrace perfection in our lives by doing everything we undertake with
utmost care and dedication?
When I
refer to perfection, I mean doing even the smallest tasks with elegance, class,
and panache. For example, placing our footwear neatly is an act of perfection.
It may take a few extra seconds, but it is worth the effort. Even in such small
acts, we can bring a touch of perfection. Our Bhagavad Gita says, “Perfection
in action is yoga,” [1]which means that whatever
work we undertake, when done perfectly, becomes a form of yoga.
Concentrating
on doing smaller things perfectly prepares us for bigger challenges in the
future. Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven said, “If you want to change the
world, start off by making your bed.” [2]This simple act of doing
something perfectly as soon as you wake up gives you the confidence and
motivation to tackle bigger tasks throughout the day.
Perfection
varies across age groups and individual capacities. For a small child, drawing
nature on a sheet to the best of their ability is perfection. However, the same
act may not be considered perfect for a skilled artist. Perfection is
relative—it is about putting in our full effort and doing our best. However,
when we perform below our capacity, it leads to mediocrity, which can result in
stress, anxiety, and a loss of inner peace.
Achieving
perfection requires tremendous willpower. During challenging times, we may feel
lethargic and apathetic, unable to even perform basic tasks, let alone strive
for perfection. However, such moments test our resilience. How we handle our
lives during these periods defines our willpower and, ultimately, the quality
of our lives.
Brian
Tracy once said, “Only about two percent of people in the world work entirely
without supervision. We call these people leaders.” [3]If we aspire to be leaders,
we must strive for perfection in every act. The lives of great achievers and
leaders reveal their relentless pursuit of perfection in their respective
fields. By setting an example through our actions, we inspire future generations
to follow the path of excellence.
Striving
for perfection in whatever we do brings a sense of fulfilment to our hearts. It
fosters inner peace and tranquillity. Even a janitor cleaning a public toilet
can experience this tranquillity when they do their job to the best of their
ability, bringing perfection to their work.
As Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai says, “God expects perfection and tolerates excellence.” If we wish to make God happy, we must strive for perfection in every action we undertake, no matter how small—whether it’s placing our belongings neatly or hanging our clothes properly.
- Mohan
Kumar KM
Academic Administrator & Mentor at Sri Sathya Sai Institutions
Simple, elegant and yet profoundly inspiring. Well done.
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