Nathan, Would you please write an article on the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I dislike that saying and I know you would have something inspirational to say about that mindset. — Susan
Occasionally, I get requests from readers (see above). I don’t know that I’ve got anything incredibly inspirational to say on “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
BUT I do know that I’ve spent my life trying to re-invent myself, to push myself higher, further, better. And it isn’t because I consider myself “broke.” No, it’s because no matter how well I’m doing now, I know that I’m capable of achieving greater heights, doing better, being kinder, wiser, gentler. You name it, I’ve got improvement opportunities.
And I think the same sort of striving, yearning, dreaming for a better way is an inherent part of our humanness, that which makes us wonderful. It’s not that there needs be anything particularly wrong with today or the status quo, “It ain’t broke.” It’s just that a better tomorrow, a better way (a “fix” if you will) is possible. And if better is possible, then I want to find it!
Mind you, among all my striving, reaching, grasping, dreaming I take plenty of time to celebrate today, to appreciate the blessings in my life, to deeply and sincerely live with an authentic “attitude of gratitude.” I want to be better but I still love and accept myself just as I am.
One small caveat: One cannot tackle everything at once! If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. At times, I’ve accepted the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach on items far down my priority list. But that is an expression of priorities, not an embracement of a lackadaisical approach to life.
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