In this week's episode, I challenge the dangerous obsession with perfection, especially in our expectations of politicians, partners, professionals, personnel, and priests. Prompted by ongoing reactions to Donald Trump, I explore how Trump Derangement Syndrome has blinded many to his achievements simply because he doesn't fit a moral ideal. This same pursuit of perfection undermines our relationships, our workplaces, and even our spiritual communities.
I argue that this desire for utopia is not only unrealistic - it’s insane. Life is not meant to be perfect; it is meant to present problems we are called to solve. As Buckminster Fuller wisely stated, we are here to solve problems. Without them, we wouldn’t be needed. I apply this thinking to our politicians, who are inevitably flawed. Our partners, our doctors, our staff—they all make mistakes. We must learn to assess people by the value they bring rather than their imperfections.
I urge you to let go of your unrealistic expectations, forgive others more freely, and embrace your own imperfections. This shift in mindset brings freedom. As I shared in a limerick: "Perfection’s a myth, not a guide." When you stop judging others, you liberate yourself. Be kind. Start with yourself.
I hope this show adds value to your life. Until next week, may your challenges nourish you, and your journey bring you closer to the best version of yourself.
Visit Charles Kovess' websites:
Reach out to Charles via email: charles@kovess.com
Discover more about Charles and this show: charleskovess.com/show-notes/
Visit and subscribe to the YouTube channel: youtube.com/@CharlesBKovess
The Charles Kovess Show is now being syndicated in Cafe Locked Out on 'X' (formerly Twitter). Go here: x.com/cafelockedout
Intro/Outro music credit: Music by bensound.com
License code: SVLGLBBT9BLK1ZT4
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.