Getting it 'Just Right'.

   There isn’t another worldly sense of satisfaction quite like getting something ‘just right.’ The sensation of achieving something to such a level that one can say ‘that was perfect’ or ‘that went well’ whilst a slight grin perches itself upon one’s face. I am not referring to any ‘major’ success that can impact the course of life such as an examination, a test, getting a new job and so on. To what I refer is much a much more simple version satisfaction, a version of satisfaction that I believe can, unbeknown to some, create or destroy general happiness, morale, self-confidence. 

   Rolling a cigarette perfectly, the first attempt. Throwing a ball of paper across the room and hitting the bin, on the first attempt. Going for a near-impossible shot when playing pool and yet somehow, it just goes your way. Endless examples could be given for getting it ‘just right.’ Generally overlooked or appreciated for a mere few seconds, I feel the power of these moments of perfection have the ability to completely alter one’s mood, perception and outlook for the better, even if just for a short while, the small chillies spicing up a hoi polloi curry.

   I that the these small blips of perfection can instil such a strong positive sentiment. Waking up in a great mood is made more so as the toast pops at ‘just the right’ brownness. The depressed gent may just crack a smile when his divorce papers fit ‘just right’ in the envelope, he may even change his mind when finding that the rope is ‘just the right’ length. I feel that the sense of satisfaction from something so simple can easily challenge the initial sense of satisfaction that is instilled via a major life achievement such as passing an exam, degree or driving test etc.

   To elaborate, for one to be successful in achieving a 2.1 at degree level would be an accumulation of years of hard work, sleepless nights and determination. It would be sensible to argue that one would quietly anticipate that result as they have worked to achieve it. Upon opening the results envelope to find that you have achieved what you had expected to achieve, do you scream with excitement and fill with joy? Or do you let out a sigh of relief as you had feared the worst yet hoped for the best?

   The fact of the matter is, whatever your reaction to that situation, one cannot escape the anticipation of failure if failure itself is a possibility. Therefore, the sense of satisfaction derived from such pressurised, life altering events is tarnished by the anticipation of failure, the sense of satisfaction is now merely a version of relief. In contrast, when getting something ‘just right’ there is no pressure, no fear of failure, no hope to succeed. These mere blips in the mundane would not be noticed if they didn’t occur, it would not be deemed failure if that cigarette wasn’t ‘quite right’ or the ball of paper ‘just missed’. When skill, circumstance and luck come together beyond conscious awareness, one can feel on top of the world, without the fear of falling off.