One of my long-term projects at work was helping my boss update the previous version of his book, The On-Purpose Person. We went through several revisions. Once it was completed, it was sent to the publisher. There were a few more rounds of edits. When the time came to approve the final galley proofs, my husband and I were in the middle of our cross-country move. I didn’t get the opportunity to give the text a final look to catch any errors. Once we arrived at our destination, I was too nervous to look at the document, for fear of finding any errors.
I received the printed copies I requested, and I was still nervous about looking at the printed text. I so wanted to see a book without any typos or errors. Alas, it was not to be. While few, there are some mistakes in the book. I felt somewhat discouraged, feeling like my reputation as a proofreader was tarnished.
It is hard to find a book anywhere that does not contain at least one printing error. (I even found one in my Bible once, although it was nothing that changed the meaning of the words.) I am still learning how to let go of my perfectionistic tendencies. No person, no book is perfect. And that’s okay.
Life can be like a book. Our stories are told, and not one of them is perfect. It is good to strive for excellence, but realize that perfection is impossible. Our flaws make us unique and human. Thinking it over, I’d rather be this way than stiff and fake.
If you would like to see the updated and revised edition of The On-Purpose Person, click here.
