Whatever happens, there are always things you could have done better. You score two goals and you usually feel you could have done better. You score two goals and you usually feel you could have scored a third. That's perfectionism. That's what makes you progress in life.
Interpretation
Perfectionism drives individuals to constantly strive for improvement despite their achievements.
In this quote, Eric Cantona reflects on the nature of perfectionism and how it can be a powerful motivator in life. He suggests that even in moments of success, such as scoring two goals, individuals are often left with a sense of dissatisfaction, wishing they had done even better. This relentless pursuit of excellence can lead to personal growth and progress, as it encourages individuals to continually seek improvement and not settle for mediocrity.
In practice
Referencing this quote during a motivational speech about striving for success.
An artist in my eyes, is someone who can lighten up a dark room. I have never and will never find difference between the pass from Pele to Carlos Alberto in the final of the World Cup in 1970 and the poetry of the young Rimbaud, who stretches cords from steeple to steeple and garlands from window to window. There is in each of these human manifestations an expression of beauty which touches us and gives us a feeling of eternity.
I'm so proud the fans still sing my name, but I fear tomorrow they will stop. I fear it because I love it. And everything you love, you fear you will lose.
I don't play against any team in particular. I play to fight against defeat.
I don't play against a particular team. I play against the idea of losing
Often there are players who have only football as a way of expressing themselves and never develop other interests. And when they no longer play football, they no longer do anything; they no longer exist, or rather they have the sensation of no longer existing.
The real fans of football come from the working class. Now they cannot afford to come and watch the game.
Your playing small does not serve the world. Who are you not to be great?
Self-discipline is a rigorous process at best; too many of us want it to be effortless and painless.
Every day you miss playing or practicing is one day longer it takes to be good.
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
So the desire you have, that itch that you have to be whatever it is you want to be ... that itch, that desire for good is God’s proof to you sent already to indicate that it’s yours. You already have it. Claim it.
My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long University education that I never had - everyday I'm learning something new.
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