The Only Viable Way of Doing Things

Personal Development

Theodore Roosevelt once said, 'Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.' As a resilient person, you should not only know how to bounce back from troubles but also how to avoid getting into trouble and then bounce back. And the first rule of avoiding trouble is to learn the only viable way of doing many things even if it is imperfect or not to your liking. Often in many areas, an imperfect, clumsy, or goofy method is the only possible way to get things done. But people often live in an illusionary world believing everything can be done in several excellent ways to ease the burden on humankind. It is common to argue that there must be a better way or many spectacular ways of doing a particular activity.

Agreed, a single piece of work or activity can theoretically be done in many flamboyant ways. But the harsh reality is the mediocre way is probably the only viable way in the given circumstances, compulsions, and limitations. All famous and experienced cooks, doctors, artists, surgeons, lawyers, and teachers know and practice this philosophy. They avoid getting into trouble by sticking with a tested and proven way. I have also observed many businesses thrive on this principle for decades. Once while traveling on a highway we stopped to eat in a lonely roadside restaurant. The food was cheap, the quantity was high, but the quality was not good. But we had no choice as it was late and we still had many miles to travel.