Self improving

"Perfection is what you're striving for, but perfection is an impossibility. However, striving for perfection is not an impossibility . Do the best you can under the conditions that exist. That is what counts. "

- John Wooden

I ran across this article today and I felt like I had to write something about it. I am a big fan of John Wooden and his UCLA dynasty. In the 1960's and 70's he won 10 NCAA men's basketball titles before he retired in 1975. Coach Wooden had some talented people on his teams including Kareem Abdul Jabbar (Lew Alcindor), Gail Goodrich, Sidney Wicks, and Henry Bibby to name a few.

I find myself striving for perfection at work but it is not always possible. I really agree with the second part of his quote, "Do the best you can under the conditions that exist. That is what counts." I find myself doing the best I can with what I am given. I have a lot to do on any given day. I find that organization is a big part of it.

Working at a bank consists of very detailed work. I am always on the phone with clients and I am always out in the field visiting with them. Being detail oriented is a must in the banking industry. I am always trying to get the best deal I can for my client. I am always following up on my work. I think we all make mistakes at work. That is what makes us human. I am always trying to find areas I can improve. I strive for perfection but getting there is not always possible. But I do take advantage of all the tools given to me.

My territory that I am assigned to has one of the top field representatives in the company. I am very fortunate to have her. We have been partners for several years now so we take advantage of each others strengths . Without each other the territory would not be where it is today. My clients respect her and trust her. We find ways to make the territory better. We focus our energies on clients that need a little help getting back where they need to be. If I need help with something I call her . When she needs help with something she calls me. We squabble sometimes like any other partnership, but our aim is the same, to serve our customer. Self improving is also our number one goal.

Back to the original question. Am I doing the best with the conditions I am given? Yes. It is possible to strive to perfection. Coach Wooden did the best with what he had and he won several championships (It does not hurt having Lew Alcindor on your team either!) You and I our not perfect. But we can have fun trying to get there.