The Freedom of Goodness

John Steinbeck’s words capture something deceptively simple but profoundly freeing.

Perfection holds a strange power. It’s an ideal that demands everything but gives nothing back. And while we know nothing and no one can truly be perfect, perfection still lingers as an unspoken expectation in our minds. It’s sneaky. It convinces us that “good” isn’t quite enough, that striving for anything less than perfection is settling.

But what if it’s the opposite? What if the real problem is perfection itself?

The Cost of Perfection

Perfection can stop us before we even begin. A blank page feels intimidating when the first draft is expected to be flawless. A project might stay unfinished because there’s always one more tweak. Relationships can suffer when perfection means withholding kindness until every misunderstanding is resolved.

Perfection doesn’t allow room for growth, mistakes, or even humanity. It asks for all the effort, all the time, and all the energy—while leaving behind nothing but frustration.

But goodness? Goodness makes space.

Why Goodness Feels Different

Goodness, in contrast, is achievable. It’s flexible. It invites us to show up as we are, flaws and all, and still make a meaningful contribution. Steinbeck’s words remind us that perfection isn’t a higher standard; it’s a blocker.

Goodness liberates. It doesn’t mean “barely acceptable.” It means building something strong and real, even if it’s messy. It’s the effort we put in, not the unattainable ideal we chase.

As philosopher Voltaire put it, “Perfect is the enemy of good.” If we let ourselves, we see this in action everywhere:

• Writing doesn’t need to be perfect to be honest.

• Meetings don’t need to be perfect to be effective.

• Leadership doesn’t need to (maybe even must not) be perfect to inspire.

By letting go of perfection, we make room for progress.

Living the Quote

Imagine approaching a challenge—creative, personal, or professional—not with the weight of perfection but with the intention to do something good. It might not feel like enough at first. Years of striving can make “good” seem inadequate. But over time, this shift opens doors to possibility.

When we stop fearing imperfection, we can focus on what matters most: trying, learning, and doing better. We build momentum instead of stalling.

Steinbeck’s quote doesn’t promise that letting go of perfection is easy. It’s not. It takes time to unlearn the idea that perfect is always better. But it does offer a path forward. And maybe that’s the best part of being good—it’s a step.

If perfection locks us in place, goodness moves us forward.

Let’s not miss the chance to move forward.

For more thoughts on the challenges of perfectionism, see Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability. To explore Voltaire’s philosophy further, this short summary of his ideas is a great starting point.