Perfection is the antithesis of evolution
Evolution is a desire for improvement, not perfection. In short, if something is perfect, evolution wouldn’t occur because there would be no need.
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Perfection is the antithesis of evolution. Many of us have been taught since childhood that we should “strive to be the best” at whatever we do and while perfection may not be achievable, trying to get there is a great pathway to success. On the surface, that seems like pretty good advice. Especially for those of us who were raised “old school.” If you take a deeper look at that sentiment however, it can be both unproductive and even physiologically harmful; particularly when success is tied to self-esteem.
As an anthropologist, I’ve done a fair amount of research on evolutionary biology. Although many aspects of Darwin’s namesake theory are subject to controversy, one thing is certain – the catalyst for evolution is nature’s aspiration for improvement and a need to thrive in a changing environment. Once again, evolution is a desire for improvement, not perfection. In short, if something is perfect, evolution wouldn’t occur because there would be no need.
I think it’s safe to say our collective environments have changed pretty dramatically over the last couple of years. So here are a few steps we can employ to facilitate our own personal “evolution”:
Strive for improvement, not perfection
As Dr. Shauna Shapiro puts it in her wonderful book on mindfulness called Good Morning, I love you, personal change is a direction not a destination. Her contention is that while perfection isn’t possible, transformation is. Focusing on the former can only lead to some degree of disappointment – since perfection is unachievable. Dr. Shauna’s research illustrates that trading in self-esteem related thoughts (in which one’s self-image is reliant on success) with a focus on self-compassion (in which self-image is independent of accomplishment) people live happier and healthier lives with less depression, anxiety, and stress.
Disappointment only stems from expectation
Have you ever been disappointed in yourself or someone else? Of course you have. Ever give someone a gift and didn’t receive one (or maybe even a “thank you”) in return? How did that make you feel? Let’s think about why. I would suggest that every single time you were disappointed it’s because you were expecting a different result than the one that occurred. If we are able to release ourselves from those expectations whenever possible, the disappointment disappears along with them. Giving that gift then becomes an act of genuine generosity with nothing attached.
Set themes, not goals
Setting goals can be important, but achieving real personal transformation means focusing on your how right now rather than any ultimate destination. In his book Goal Free Living, Steven Shapiro (no relation to Dr. Shauna) proposes that life goals have the built-in negative side effect of coming with specific, measurable results that one must achieve in order to be successful. Whereas setting a theme – such as living with more compassion – can guide one’s behavior and mindset without the added stress of accomplishing a precise metric.
It’s all about the brain. I know what you’re thinking: how do we apply these concepts to our work lives? After all, we can’t be successful in business without goals, right? Success metrics and “Key Performance Indicators” are thrown around constantly and often the lifeblood of our respective projects. Don’t worry, you’re not going to lose all your clients. Once again, evolution focuses on the process rather than the result. If you change your mindset the success will come on its own rather than you trying to force it to happen.
It all comes down to brain chemistry. Basically, our brain responds to what’s going on around (or within) us by releases neurotransmitters that in turn radically affect how we feel and behave. Our attitude determines which kinds of these chemicals are released. For instance, when our stress response kicks in our brain releases things like adrenaline and cortisol (your body’s alarm system) that ramp up our heart rate and trigger our primitive ‘fight or flight’ response. These are the same chemicals that are released when we’re agonizing over trying to meet a deadline or are hyper focused on a specific goal. Sure, there are times when this is helpful – if you’re a pro athlete or in a war zone for example – but for the majority of us, the old “I work best under pressure” theory is a fallacy.
On the other hand, when we meditate or otherwise adjust our behavior and mindset in calming ways, our parasympathetic nervous system releases endorphins and acetylcholine. The latter is a powerful neurotransmitter that dilates blood vessels and slows the heart rate. It even plays a role in encoding new memories and has been linked to slowing the effects of Alzheimer disease. Even in difficult situations, just taking one or two deep breaths can release these positive chemicals.
Facilitate your personal evolution. Even if we work in a high speed, success-oriented industry, it doesn’t mean we have to let our environment dictate our mindset, behavior, or brain chemistry. Dismiss the notion of ‘achieving perfection’ from your mental syllabus and instead focus on what’s right in front of you on the path that you’re walking right now. Release yourself of expectation whenever you can and do the things that you do for the sake of doing them, rather than with an eye on an anticipated outlook.
Finally, remember that personal success is not about what you accomplish, either now or in the future. Having self-compassion throughout your journey is a sure-fire way to release those ‘good chemicals’ into your brain making you both happier and healthier.
Now THAT’s evolution.
About the Author
Sean Lehman
A seasoned broadcaster and public relations professional with over 35 years of military and corporate experience, Sean began his career as a DJ at a small country radio station in Sweet Home, Oregon. His career evolved into a two-decade tenure with the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a journalist for the Defense Department, covering the first Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Sean has extensive experience in writing, broadcasting and public affairs within organizations ranging from small non-profits to the highest levels of the U.S. government.
At Modus Persona, Sean manages all operations and serves as the Account Executive for Hamilton® CapTel®’s Heroes With Hearing Loss program. A true academic at heart, Sean has degrees in Public Affairs, Political Studies, Communications, and Cultural Anthropology. He’s also a committed father and husband as well as an avid golfer and motorcyclist who enjoys building model ships and working on his beautifully restored 1967 Camaro RS in his spare time.
