Many years ago I was a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. I was pretty good but would habitually take 2nd or 3rd in my forms competition, rarely 1st. On one such day, after my competition, my instructor’s wife made a comment that has stuck with me.

She said; “William, I know you know all the moves and can do each one perfectly, but when you put them together your mind moves on to the next before you’ve finished. Slow down and don’t execute your next move till you’ve finished with the previous one”.

It’s very true of how my brain is, sometimes when I’m typing (and spelling in my head) I’ll miss a letter because I’ve already mentally moved on before my finger’s hit the key… In short I outrace myself.

It’s one of the reasons I like reading blogs like “ZenHabits”, this post for example;

http://zenhabits.net/2008/02/17-unbeatable-ways-to-create-a-peaceful-relaxed-workday/

Even just the starting quote sets the tone; “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” - Lily Tomlin

As chronic overachievers it’s hard to be contented with anything we do because we know that given an infinite amount of time and energy (and other resources) we can make it perfect.

When you figure out how to get those infinite limits let me know, until then take it slow and easy and consider that satisfaction does not have to flow from perfect results, but rather with taking pride in our accomplishment given constraints.

I bet in reality you do feel that contentment, but your brain moves on so quickly you forget to notice.

Maybe a way for me to agree with Tara’s assertion is to say you can definitely be satisfied with work you’ve done, something you’ve created, and relationships you’re in, and look upon them with satisfaction, not disappointment. Then going forward in life always think of ways you can be better to make it a more satisfying thing.

Or something to that effect.

If you were, you’d stop progressing. because you’d have no motivation to change it or improve it. Because why should you…you’re satisfied aren’t you?