April 5, 2024
How many times have I said to myself, "This is good enough." Even when I draw, after some time, I would say, "This looks good enough". Sometimes, even if I know that I missed out on some minor details or there is still something wrong with my work, I'd say "I don't think they would notice that, so this is good enough."
Maybe they won't know... but I know.
Reflection
Here's one thing I realized. Settling for "good enough" stops us from "growing".
While I was in my twenties, I learned the value of "contentment". Meaning, I learned to be content with what I have. Sometimes, I strive to get a bit more, but once I get something "good enough" I am contented.
Contentment is not bad. However, I realized it stopped me from doing something better. It stopped me from exerting more effort to improve my skills... and to improve myself.
At St. Jerome said
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Til your good is better and your better is best.
Here is the thing. Being contented is good. I mean one who is happy with what he/she has is relieved of the stress of always having more. However, it doesn't we will be contented with being mediocre in doing our job or tasks. Contentment does not mean we stop improving our skills... ourselves.
If Michaelangelo and Leonardo Davinci did not improve their skills they would say in the early years "This is good enough". Then there wouldn't be Smiling Monalisa, the Sistine Chapel would not be adorned with the Creation of Adam painting, and the Statue of David would not have existed as they are today.
*Screenshot of an illustration I am working on *
Never Stop Honing Your Skills
A blade that is not sharpened gets dull.
The only way to sharpen our skills is to keep using them. Once we see that we did something Good, don't stop. Instead, ask "How can I make this better?".
Stephen Curry could have never achieved his amazing shooting skills by merely shooting hoops once a day. Surely, only a few people can shoot accurately from beyond the 3-point line. But how many players do you know who made 6 shots from beyond the half-court?
Challenge
I making my drawings, I admit I have many times stopped when I think it's good enough. But I know I can still make some improvements.
I believe this is the challenge St. Jerome has given when he said those words.
Do you think your work is good enough?"
Thank you for your time.
Post No. 2024-28
Date Posted: April 5, 2024.
All image are mine unless otherwise indicated.
* The first image used was created using Canva
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