I had another ketamine infusion for depression. I was listening to an interview with Shawn Johnson, the olympic gymnast. I was thinking about how extreme her life has been, training 6 days a week, non stop for years and years. Also, how extreme gymnastics are, all the crazy flipping and flying with immense danger of being seriously hurt. Then think about being an olympic competitor, being the 1 person to represent a nation of 300 MILLION! What kind of stress is that for a 16 year old? Great for her, she endured it somehow. Only a few in 300 million people can.
I realize I have some extreme thinking on an obviously smaller scale. That's what perfectionism is, wanting to maximize every decision and effort. In the end I feel it's an unhealthy mindset, at least for myself. For one, it's impossible to be perfect, and expecting it will lead to endless disappointment.
Giving 100% is exhausting. How long can you run 100% for? 15 seconds, 30...definitely less than 1 minute. I was a track sprinter at the collegiate level. I'm proud of that history, but giving 100% is for teens and young adults. Shawn Johnson is 26 now, and says she could no longer handle competing at an olympic level, and she retired at 20 years old! I just turned 41.
I want to adopt an 80% effort rule. That's far more comfortable and sustainable. Plus it allows for a 20% failure rate. It's ok to not be perfect and have some loses. Fuck giving "110%"! I know some people believe in that axiom, and that's probably why they are Bill Gates or Elon Musk, but I'm a typical guy. Still, I think you'd be surprised what you can achieve with 80% effort. Most people don't even give 50% in their daily life, probably more like 25%. They get in the comfortable daily grind, wake up, got to work, eat and go to bed.
I want to achieve and enjoy a good life, but I don't want to stress over being perfect and never making mistakes. If you give 80% everyday you'll still find yourself in the upper levels of success.
