This week’s prompt for
In Other Words
“Striving for excellence motivates you,
striving for perfection demoralizes you.”
Harriet Braiker
I can’t say I strive for excellence or that it motivates me. I just want to be good. Not goody-two-shoes-good, but positive and poised, honorable and honest, courteous and compassionate, friendly and faithful, genuine and good. I’m fine with being average and though I do think excellence is something we can achieve if we work hard and accept help along the way it’s just not a part of my life agenda.
I certainly don’t strive for perfection so I am not demoralized by it. I am trying to be the best me I can be and as hard as I try I am far from perfect. However, I believe the older I get the closer I get to being perfect. I believe perfection is what we can aspire to but cannot realize in this life for when perfection is realized it is done.
Excellence is the goal. Perfection is the prize.
Patricia's Place 
I think you’re pretty awesome just as you are! Goals like being caring and compassionate and kind, those to me are far more important than trying to be perfect or even excellent. No one is ever remembered for excelling at anything, they are remembered for the content of their character. We’ve learned a lot along the way, and we’ll keep working to the very last day I’m certain!
Awww, thanks. We have learned a lot along the way and still learning!
Well stated Patricia. I love your last line. “Excellence is the goal. Perfection is the prize.”
Glad you liked my words. 🙂
Well said. I try very hard to be my own, personal best. I honestly use God’s guidelines for my moral compass. I figure that I cannot go wrong with that. Good post.
I tried to come up with a post; this quote was tough…but, good.
Using the Lord’s guidelines for direction will always get you to the right path. Life would have been much easier with less hurt if I had done that when I was young. Don’t work too hard to come up with a post for In Other Words, just let the thoughts flow.