Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. As farmers we learn this lesson early and repeatedly. Waiting for the perfect solution quickly leads to failure through inaction.
When you work in the world of nature and natural laws – perfection is something rare and fleeting. Something to be enjoyed, and cherished, but not the singular goal of each action. There is simply too much else to be accomplished and tended to each moment of each day. But, as a farmer – tied to the rhythm and cycles of nature every day – we know there will always be an opportunity for improvement. Another chance to get that planting, cleaning, setting, or chore – closer to perfection. To use a quote my son just reminded me of from a different world altogether – when asked why he continued to practice 7 hours each day– Pablo Casals at the age of 97 (one of the greatest cellists ever) – he simply responded that he was noticing some improvement.
So as you are asking other families to join us in this delicious and important work by becoming partner families – and they list off the many reasons why this may not be perfect for them, or describe what would be perfect for them – you can remind them to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and that once they join all of us – they can then become part of the daily practice and daily improvement that may one day lead to that beautiful moment of perfection! Because as we farmers know – nothing is permanent, and everything always changes – so perfection as well as imperfection is always a temporary state – and the joy comes in noticing the improvement.
With Gratitude,
Greg
