There is something appealing about perfection. Though it always is just out of reach, we can often see the light at the end of the tunnel that will bring us that proverbial final form that has the ultimate power.
It's something that we fall into in our note systems, our desk setups, our pretty much everything. It's as if tiny cherubs will come to us when we find the perfect setup and work will suddenly become easy.
Perfection is something we assume everyone else has, because all that's shown to us on YouTube or other social platforms is smoothly operating tools where it appears everything is being sorted and tasks are getting done. But that view we see into anyone's system is simply an idealized snapshot in time. I know my notes and task management is not nearly as organized as what I show on YouTube.
I know I've come back to this point regularly, but I do it because almost every person I talk to about their note system is looking for "perfection" and making the assumption that once they have it everything will be effortless. People assume that if you follow your passion and what "feels easy" you'll end up in a career that's worthwhile. Despite what online guru's tell you about success, that's not how it works.
A great read on this topic is So Good They Can't Ignore You where Cal Newport investigates what it takes to have a meaningful career. He determines that it's not about perfection and finding your passion, it's about finding something that works, then doing hard work in the career so you become a master. On the other side of master is where enjoyment comes, because you've done the hard work.
