Striving for Imprefection http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/ Observations on how to accomplish more in life and enjoy the ride by getting past the need to be perfect (penned by a recovering perfect-o-holic) en Copyright 2007 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:13:06 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Shrinking it down Third in a series on the mental and emotional adjustments required for long-term change

I believe in the basic goodness of people.

Because of that, my feelings towards most are benevolent; I cut people some slack, assist the downtrodden when possible, and experience a general contentedness with life. The result is, on the whole, people treat me well and I feel fortunate. (Although I periodically forget, so you might need to remind me.)

Because I believe, I act. Actions cause results, which feed into - or work against - my beliefs. In that process is another of the great circles of life.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/shrinking_it_down.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/shrinking_it_down.html Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:13:06 -0800 Believe it Next in a series on the mental and emotional adjustments required for long-term change

The famous early-twentieth century escape artist, Harry Houdini, traveled the countryside, locking himself in jails, only to escape, as a method of furthering his reputation (and increasing his audiences). As the story goes, there was only one chamber from which he could not free himself.

Houdini entered the fateful cell and began his usual routine once the iron bars clanged shut. From his belt, he removed a concealed piece of metal utilized to pick locks, and set about as he had done countless times before. Whereby every previous security device had soon swung open, he could not achieve the desired results on this occasion.

Finally, after laboring for hours, bathed in sweat and exhausted, Houdini collapsed in frustration against the cell door, defeated. As he fell against it, it swung wide - it was unlocked the entire time.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/believe_it.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/believe_it.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:45:30 -0800 Whadya Want? Part of a series on the mental and emotional adjustments required for long-term change

"People don't buy what they need, they buy what they want," so goes the age-old idiom used by sales trainers.

Some explanation is in order:

1) "Buy" is not merely an exchange of currency for a product; "buy" can also be "make a decision" as in "buy into an idea." From such "mental purchases," actions result.

2) We are not irrational; although "buying" begins emotionally, we back it with logic before finalizing the deal.

In other words, I might really, really, really want a bright red sporty convertible (can you say "mid life crisis?") but I then analyze my finances, examine my needs, and decide not to buy. However, if I don't "want" it first, I will not even weigh the options, so no purchase is possible.

Again: We buy what we want more than what we need; we back it with logic.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/whadya_want.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/whadya_want.html Weight Loss & Health Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:23:25 -0800 Thoughtful Beginnings If you were awake at 12:01AM January 2nd, you heard it. That giant CLUNK was the sound of the national psyche slamming over from "How much can I eat?" to "How quickly can I lose weight?" It happens every year at this time. Equally without fail is the inundation of advertisements, TV programs - and yes, columnists - who provide astute coaching on how to lose "those extra pounds" and get in shape. Warmed-over, threadbare, time-and-again guidance is ladled out in generous proportion each January, as reliably as winter rains. Chefs explain lower-fat meal preparation. Size zero models adorned in $500 leotards and $2000 running shoes champion their personal workout plans. Equally ubiquitous, snake oil infomercials attempt to pry consumer from wallet with assurances of medication and machines that "melt weight off without effort."

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/thoughtful_beginnings.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2007/01/thoughtful_beginnings.html Special Series Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:53:27 -0800 Embracing Change My mother, a huge fan of Deepak Chopra, called me on New Year’s Day several years ago in a state of great tumult. In a newspaper column, several celebrities were asked what they wished for their children in the upcoming year. Mr. Chopra replied that he hoped his kids would live in “a state of constant uncertainty.”

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/12/embracing_change.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/12/embracing_change.html Motivation Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:08:38 -0800 Thank You for Two Years It's hard to believe I've been doing this for two years! To celebrate, I'm having my first ever book signing on Novemer 19, 2006 at Old Towne Coffee & Chocolates on November 19, 2006 from 2 to 4 PM. I'll have copies of both of my books available - as well as CDs. I hope you'll join me.

Striving for Imprefection
Shade of a Tree is the Very Best Shade There Is

If you'd like to read some of the older columns I did in the Times Standard, please check out my other blog: http://scottq.blogspot.com

To download a flyer, please click here.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/11/thank_you_for_two_years_1.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/11/thank_you_for_two_years_1.html Sat, 11 Nov 2006 13:51:55 -0800 Rededication Diligence is over-rated. Sure, there's something to be said for taking care of oneself and it's nice to look in the mirror and be proud of what looks back.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/10/rededication_1.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/10/rededication_1.html Weight Loss & Health Tue, 17 Oct 2006 08:38:11 -0800 Who Let the Dogs In? When did the rules change to allow dogs to enter restaurants?

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/08/who_let_the_dogs_in_1.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/08/who_let_the_dogs_in_1.html Pet Peeves & Rants Sun, 06 Aug 2006 14:43:57 -0800 Sometimes I Get Weary I pride myself on a positive attitude. It's something I have developed over the years. And I am aware that a "positive attitude" means "being positive more times than being negative."

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/07/sometimes_i_get_weary_1.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/07/sometimes_i_get_weary_1.html Opinion Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:21:16 -0800 What's important? What do you say to yourself about what’s important?

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/06/whats_important.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/06/whats_important.html Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:26:31 -0800 Hopeful message to our city council It's been a long time since I posted. I've been busy. But I wanted to pass along some good thoughts.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/04/hopeful_message_to_our_city_co.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/04/hopeful_message_to_our_city_co.html Motivation Tue, 04 Apr 2006 10:57:01 -0800 My marriage is doing great, thank you. I realize we all have our own opinions, but I'd sure appreciate it if others quit trying to protect my marriage. It's really doing well, thank you.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/03/my_marriange_is_doing_great_th.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/03/my_marriange_is_doing_great_th.html Pet Peeves & Rants Mon, 20 Mar 2006 10:42:50 -0800 Hot Dog! Just a quick thanks to the Times-Standard for capturing me in one of my better moments!Punster Scott Q at the Humboldt County Pun Off

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/03/hot_dog.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/03/hot_dog.html Entertainment Mon, 13 Mar 2006 14:47:55 -0800 Mourning the News I am a political and news junkie.
I am also in mourning.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/02/mourning_the_news_1.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/02/mourning_the_news_1.html Opinion Sat, 18 Feb 2006 13:44:59 -0800 Gasoline prices and a good marriage Exxon today released their profit figures for 4th quarter, 2005. Suffice it to say, it's a heck of a lot more than I make.

I have my opinions about who's getting rich, who's getting short-changed (notice the euphemism for what I'm really thinking), and what can be done about our addiction to oil.

But, trying to be the positive sort that I am, there's a good side to high gas prices.

]]> http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/01/gasoline_prices_and_a_good_mar.html http://www.tsblogs.com/imperfection/2006/01/gasoline_prices_and_a_good_mar.html Opinion Mon, 30 Jan 2006 12:35:15 -0800