Perfect is a preference. The idea of perfection emerges AFTER I apply my preferences to a situation. It represents an ideal, but this ideal is based on my personal opinions and assumptions.

Preferences are inescapable and essential for navigating all relationships. Awareness allows me to recognize them as a ‘lens’ through which I view situations — how I choose to perceive and interact with the world around me.

Through my practice of Intentional Review, I’ve discovered that when I don’t regularly examine my preferences, they shift. They evolve from simple preferences about how I would like things to be, to rigid opinions about how things should be, and eventually to beliefs about how things are. Much like a physical lens, my metaphorical lens needs regular cleaning to ensure my vision remains clear. Awareness is vital to maintaining this clarity.

Classy problems grow out of misalignment, which starts with dishonesty — the dishonesty in the disconnect between how I think things should be and how they actually are.

Are you certain of your beliefs or are your beliefs certain?

PS …

Periodic cleaning can lead to new preferences. We’d love to hear yours. We’re refreshing our preferences of Classy Problems — anticipate a new look coming soon.