Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Most of us have grown up with the idea that hitting the target every single time signifies excellence. Our culture applauds perfection, leading many to believe this flawless execution epitomizes performance. Peter Drucker, one of the most influential thinkers on management theory, once said, “Performance is not hitting the bull’s eye with every shot – that is a circus act.” But what did he mean?
Digging Deeper into Performance
In a circus world, acts are rehearsed repeatedly until executed impeccably. Every movement and every gesture is curated for the audience’s awe. While this is undeniably a masterful display of skill, it isn’t a true representation of performance in the broader sense. Real-world scenarios aren’t rehearsed. The variables change, unpredictability is the norm, and the true mark of performance is how one navigates through these challenges.
Beyond the Spectacle of Perfection
Perfection, while admirable, is often a mirage. Chasing it can lead to unnecessary stress and overshadow the more meaningful metrics of progress and growth. The essence of performance lies in continuous learning, adaptation, and the ability to bounce back from failures. You still put in the reps, but the reps build character more than skill.
Navigating the Realms of True Achievement
Think of an athlete. A single failure doesn’t diminish their capability. Instead, it offers a perspective, a lesson, and an area to focus on. Similarly, in our personal and professional lives, our performance shouldn’t be gauged merely by the number of times we hit the bull’s eye but by the times we missed, learned, and improved. “Embrace the suck,” as someone once said. I like to say embrace the struggle for all that you will become.
The Illusion of Flawless Execution
There’s a significant difference between a rehearsed act and a real-time performance. In life, we aren’t granted the luxury of multiple rehearsals. Every decision and every move is a live act. Embracing this reality allows us to understand that while hitting the bull’s eye is fantastic, missing it occasionally doesn’t diminish our worth.
As we wake up and enter the world (the game of life) daily, remember Drucker’s words. Let’s shift our focus from the circus act of consistent perfection to the larger play of evolving performance. Let’s aim for the bull’s eye and cherish the journey that leads us there.