Perfection and Mistakes -- The Way of eRepublik 0.5

Day 5,203, 10:42 • Published in USA USA • by Pfenix Quinn
The Way of eRepublik - 0.5
Perfection and Mistakes
The FUPQ is a delightful diversion from the e-real, sponsored in part by the Socialist Freedom Party



Playing eRepublik is a continuous rebirth process. If you learn something today, tomorrow you have to start again. If you accept that perspective, then there is no need for a binding structure. A good structure is flexible and adaptive; it may change a bit each time you play.
-- Ali Chunky Hung Ham, a less-well-known player who stops by occasional to say 'hi'




To all those who've ever thought "I'll never master this game." Relax.

You showed up. You are already a master of the game.



We're counting down the 12 Points of Focus in the Way of eRepublik, which are
- Spirit
- Rhythm
- Technique
- Feel
- Perfection
- Mistakes
- Stages
- Discipline
- Limits
- Follow-Through
- Taste
and
- Collaboration


Today we'll take a look at the third pair...
PERFECTION and MISTAKES


On Perfection


Despite Yoda's famous maxim, we can never just do our best. We can try to do our best.

We strive for perfection exactly because it is so difficult to attain. If I make a single mistake, on my own, then its impact likely depends on the context. But if all the members of my team make multiple mistakes simultaneously, then the likelihood of making a big mess is considerably higher.

Generally, we make mistakes when we're being too self-conscious, when the mind is too pre-occupied with monitoring every little thing we are doing. The way to avoid making mistakes, to reduce that "monkey on my back" self-consciousness, is to practice. With enough practice, basics become routine, leaving the mind to focus its attention on finer details or on seeing the big picture.

Despite another famous maxim, practice does not make perfect, though. Practice makes progress. Each session at the keyboard, each effort, each study, is a step forward.





Making Mistakes


After making a mistake, keep playing.

We fix mistakes by what we do next, right after making a mistake.

To be sure, in real life, some kinds of mistakes can be extremely serious. Even deadly.

The spirit of the Way of eRepublik is to recognize and learn from mistakes as soon as they happen. My occasional friend Ali calls this "Turning a wince into a smile."

Let's try to not make mistakes. But when we do, use it a springboard for learning and innovation. When things fall apart, make art.







NEXT TIME: Stages and Discipline.






Yours in peace, love and e-friendship,