80 is the new 100

I read in Scott Adam's blog (author of Dilbert Comics) that he thinks the measure of someone's happiness can be calculated from how much they tolerate imperfections. Meaning the sloppier you are, the happier. In other words, perfectionalists are a miserable lot.

I have to agree that most people stress themselves out unnecessary by trying to give 100% all the time. What is 100% anyway? According to whose standards?

Remember the world is highly imperfect and unfair because 100% effort from a stupid person is only equivalent to half the effort of a smart one.

That's why I get really annoyed when I watch reality shows such as Fear Factor and the losing contestant say cheesy things like, "I don't know how it could have happen. But I have put in 110% so I have no regrets".

If they have put in 110% and still can lose, doesn't it just show that they are born idiots?

So I agree with Scott. Stop stressing. Assuming that you are a generally smart person, giving 80% in most cases is enough.