The Enemy of Good Is Perfect
Athletes are wired to chase excellence.
We drill reps. We break down tape. We analyze every mistake. That drive makes us better—but it can also hold us back.
One of my mentors in orthopedic surgery used to say:
“Meg, the enemy of good is great.”
It stuck with me. And over time, I translated it into something that fits even more:
The enemy of good… is perfect.
Why Perfect Can Be the Problem
In surgery, chasing perfection can backfire. I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve done it.
Take ACL reconstruction. Sometimes, I’d pause and think, “If I just shift this guide 1 millimeter back, it’ll be perfect.” But more often than not, that tiny change didn’t improve the outcome—it just cost time and energy. That extra millimeter? It wouldn’t have changed the patient’s ability to run, pivot, or return to sport.
Perfection wasn’t helping. It was slowing me down.
Where This Shows Up on the Mats
Sound familiar?
You hesitate on an entry because it wasn’t perfect. You bail on a submission because the angle wasn’t ideal. You get passed or submitted while chasing the “right” setup.
You don’t need perfect every time. Sometimes, you simply need good.
Some of your best rolls, wins, and growth will come from imperfect moments where you just stayed in the fight.
What This Means for You
Whether you're recovering from injury, returning to training, or prepping for a competition… perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is.
Waiting for the “perfect” time, “perfect” plan, or “perfect” rep can stall your momentum. The real pros (the ones who las) build trust in their timing, their reactions, and their ability to keep moving.
In jiu jitsu, in rehab, in life… sometimes, good enough is exactly what you need.
– Dr. Megan Lisset Jimenez
Orthopedic Surgeon | Athlete | Coach | Doctor Jiu JitsuConnect with Me
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