I´d Rather Be Outstandingly Good

By Didi Arias

Whether it be in looks, lifestyle, academics or sport, our society seems obsessed with the quest for the elusive: Perfection. The focus is so set on the end result, like one of those television shows where they are continually searching for some mythical treasure, but never seem to get it. And then…? Disappointment, discouragement, disinterest.

Age has a marvelous way of allowing you to see the entire forest (examining the leaves and ´thunking´ one´s head against trunks and branches are for the young). As a rider, an instructor and in the other half of my life, an artist, one “entire forest” I´ve learned to see is that there is no need to strive for perfection in anything I do. In fact, the only “perfect” involved is in being “perfectly content” at setting the process and outcome bar at the

“outstandingly good” notch.

By definition, “perfection” is something that cannot be improved upon. It is focused on the outcome. “Excellence”, on the other hand, is the quality of being extremely or outstandingly good, and focuses more on the process.

To strive for excellence is to work towards a higher standard while maintaining a more flexible approach. It allows for growth and selfimprovement, while acknowledging any flaws and imperfections that may need some tweaking. While looking to excel at tasks is important, if the rider ends up lost in the relentless pursuit of perfection, learning, enjoyment, and focus can be undermined. Don´t get me wrong, some perfectionism, especially for the competitor, is a good thing and a sure motivator for high achievers. It is only problematic when it becomes pervasive. Consider the healthy positives versus the unhealthy negatives: when there is that spark to take up a challenge, to be concentrated and organized, and the ability to see the task through – those are healthy positive attributes. When frustration and impatience arise, or procrastination inhibits the work, and the inner critic begins its´ nagging assault, then things are tipping to the negative. It´s not all bad; one just has to keep it healthy and in-check.

I consider myself a bit of a “reformed semiperfectionist” and with the onset of years and through some (thankful) personal growth, I was able to see and acknowledge my traits and make those balance adjustments. I must admit that taking some pressure off to “be perfect” makes things a lot easier now. Plus, striving to be perfect a lot of the time was too tiring. Like anything, it is important to take note of the signs of these tendencies and prevent those unhealthy negatives from working their ways in. Nowadays, I much prefer to act as an oracle and dispense wisdom to anyone who would like some. In fact, I´ll share a few appropriate wisdoms on the subject right here.

About the author:

Didi Arias is a Level 3 ARIA Certified Instructor and national dressage judge and teacher, who resides in Almeria, Spain.