It’s Getting Better All the Time

Posted on April 26, 2021 by mitchteemley
Donut quote (Wilde)Photo by Isabella and Zsa Fischer (unsplash.com)

Thought for the Week

“I’ve got to admit it’s getting better, a little better all the time. (Echo: It can’t get no worse.)” ~Getting Better

Although the lyrics to the classic Beatles’ song “Getting Better” are attributed to “Lennon and McCartney,” it’s known that John Lennon, a disenchanted idealist (i.e. pessimist), only contributed the words in the echo. You can guess which of the two songwriting greats was happier with his life.

Perfect is the enemy of Better. Why? Because it’s a mirage, a destination that doesn’t exist. So, ironically, it isn’t those who believe in Perfect who improve their lives, but those who believe in the journey called Better. Even missteps are useful (“Well, now I know that doesn’t work”). So celebrate the steps. And then press on, because if you do, you’ll find…

It’s getting better all the time.

~O~

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
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27 Responses to It’s Getting Better All the Time

  1. joyroses13 says:
    April 26, 2021 at 1:09 pm

    Love Wilde’s quote! Can I use it in my post tomorrow?
    And so true what you stated in your post. “It isn’t those who believe in Perfect, who improve their lives….”
    Great post.!

    Reply
  2. Andrew Reynolds says:
    April 26, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    When I finally show a piece of wood art or a piece of writing that someone praises, I’m always tempted to add, “But you should see the defects in the work that I see and the pile of failed projects that got me this far.”

    These days I’ve learned to just smile and say, “Thank you.”

    Reply
    • mitchteemley says:
      April 26, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      Yep, I know what you mean, Andrew. Unlike you, I’m a newbie, but I refinished a mirror recently and was amazed at both, 1) How many steps it took to get there, and 2) how satisfying it was despite all the defects I can see.

      Reply
  3. Eric Saretsky says:
    April 26, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    There’s a blessing in reaching an age that looking back, the journey was getting better – the though I am looking forward all the time now

    Reply
  4. artsandletters9 says:
    April 26, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Loving the journey is a little like loving the editing. Don’t you think?

    Reply
  5. 100 Country Trek says:
    April 26, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    Very encouraging words. Let’s move on.

    Reply
  6. Yernasia Quorelios says:
    April 26, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    💜 Dumb; and Wise

    …💛💚💙…

    Reply
  7. M.B. Henry says:
    April 26, 2021 at 5:05 pm

    Sorry, I couldn’t get past the donut picture (yum yum yum) 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  8. revruss1220 says:
    April 26, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    A great word for today. I would also add that the pessimist waits for a different set of circumstances first before changing his/her attitude. The optimist concentrates on attitude first and lets circumstances follow. I’m sure there is a pithier way to say that, but you know what I mean.

    Reply
  9. musingsofmanettekay says:
    April 26, 2021 at 6:22 pm

    Thank you for sharing this wise perspective, “Perfect is the enemy of Better.” I’m aware that I fight perfectionism, even referring to it as a monster. As I’ve aged I let things go a bit easier. With your insightful thoughts maybe I can slay that monster and rejoice with BETTER! Blessings.

    Reply
  10. Liz Gauffreau says:
    April 26, 2021 at 6:34 pm

    I do love a good Oscar Wilde quote!

    Reply
  11. lilyofthevalley777 says:
    April 26, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    I’d like to procrastinate, but I keep putting it off….which has nothing to do with Oscar Wilde’s quote, but I had to say anyway, 😄

    Reply
  12. haoyando says:
    April 26, 2021 at 8:57 pm

    And the realist see the donut, the hole, and the calories. LOL.

    Reply
  13. Chen Song Ping @ TPTan says:
    April 27, 2021 at 4:44 am

    Lol! Never thought of them that way!

    Reply
  14. Vinny says:
    April 27, 2021 at 5:17 am

    Great blog and what a quote! My glass is always half full and not half empty…

    Reply
  15. bluebird of bitterness says:
    April 27, 2021 at 12:20 pm

    Are you sure that’s Oscar Wilde? It doesn’t sound like him for some reason.

    Reply
  16. Ann Coleman says:
    April 27, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    Sometimes I’m a little pessimistic, but when I see a donut, I’m not looking at the hole. I’m looking at something I’m about to eat!

    Reply
  17. rulookingforjesus says:
    May 2, 2021 at 11:52 pm

    Great post

    Reply

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