A Perfect Day

When I was learning to play chess I read a book that suggested:  “Play against chess players who are better than you so you will improve.  And play against chess players who are not as good as you so you will be encouraged.”

This advice exemplifies the contrast between aspiration and satisfaction.  We like to improve, but we also like to feel successful.

How can we accomplish both?

As a pragmatist, I always look for solutions that work. Every day I want to get better at whatever I’m doing – my writing, for example.  But each day I also want to be happy with what I’ve done – my writing, for example.  Why not do both.

First, I have to enjoy the process of writing (and I do).  As Justice Louis Brandeis said, there is no great writing, only great rewriting.  I enjoy working to improve what I’ve written, putting it aside for a few days, then working to improve it further.  It’s important for me to remember that whenever I read anything in print I’m probably looking at the twentieth draft, certainly not at the first.

Secondly, I enjoy the results of writing  – a completed book or blog. In addition, I find I have come to understand myself better as my own thoughts are clarified in the writing and rewriting process.

A reporter once telephoned a writer to ask, “How do you feel about winning the Nobel Prize for literature?”

“I don’t know,” the writer said.  “I haven’t written about it yet.”

Your own perceptions are the secret ingredient that enable you to enjoy how you spend your days. If you see the world through the darkened lens of pessimism and negativity you will never be content. But if you choose to see each day as an opportunity for both discovery and improvement, you will never be disappointed.

One of my favorite movies is The Last Samurai.  As the hero, Katsumoto, is dying, his last words to his comrade-in-arms are about a cherry blossom.

“It is perfect.”

Alan