#WhyIAmASolo - The Adequate Lawyer. I Decide When Good Enough Is Good Enough.

Good Enough Isn't Always Good Enough. In law, and other professions, the pressure to be perfect is unyielding. We aren't allowed to make mistakes. Of course, perfection is an impossible standard to meet. And, looking back, the stress and anxiety and worry has contributed to more unhappiness than anything fate can throw your way. In BigLaw, however, this pressure can also be external, and the standards are set by others, who are senior in the bureaucracy. Solo practice, over the years, has been my salvation. I get to set the standards; and, I have been much happier when I decided what is good enough. I still struggle with the concept; but, at least I get to control the struggle. Peace, contentment, happiness; these are what most of us want out of life. Why, then, is everything we read or hear always telling us to be "exceptional", "outstanding", "the best", or whatever superlative adjective is in vogue at the moment? To be productive, you must hold back most of the time on the desire to be "perfect". You will never achieve it, and the stress of perpetual failure will make you unhappy. But, then, if you aren't always striving for excellence (example: Vince Lombardi), you may never achieve anything worthwhile. Mindfulness teaches us to observe without controlling, and that the only thing we can control is ourselves, and our reactions. Perhaps it is enough to try to learn when "good enough" is good enough.