You can't ever make the perfect run, but you can make the best

Host: The evening air feels crisp as Jack and Jeeny sit together, a quiet energy between them. The soft glow of the room contrasts with the energy of the quote they’re discussing. Mikaela Shiffrin’s words carry a sense of determination and perspective, inviting reflection on the pursuit of excellence. Jack leans forward, his eyes focused as he considers the idea behind the quote.

Jeeny: "Mikaela Shiffrin once said, 'You can't ever make the perfect run, but you can make the best run, and then you clock the fastest time, and that's a win.' I think there’s so much truth in that. It’s not about perfection—it’s about doing your best in the moment. Do you think we get too caught up in trying to be perfect, Jack?"

Jack: He smiles slightly, nodding in agreement. "I do. Perfectionism can be a huge trap. We spend so much time chasing the idea of flawless execution that we often forget what really matters: doing our best in the here and now. Shiffrin’s quote is a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s about improvement, growth, and focusing on making the best run you can. Perfection is something that may never come, but making progress, clocking the fastest time, is what really matters."

Jeeny: "Exactly. The pressure to be perfect can paralyze us, especially when we know it’s not realistic. But making the best run, giving it everything you have—that’s something you can control. It’s about putting your energy into the process, rather than the outcome. And I think that’s where the real win comes from." She leans in, her voice thoughtful. "The win isn’t always in achieving the perfect result—it’s in how we approach the challenge, how we push ourselves to do the best we can in that moment."

Jack: "That’s the key—it's the mindset. If we’re always aiming for perfection, we miss the beauty of the journey. Life isn’t about getting everything right; it’s about learning, adjusting, and finding joy in doing the best you can at any given time. Even if the 'perfect run' is out of reach, the satisfaction of giving it your all is the real reward." He pauses, his tone softening. "And that’s something I think people forget. The race is not just about winning; it’s about improving with every step, with every try."

Jeeny: "Yeah, and it’s about letting go of the idea of perfection as the only standard of success. Every time you give your best, you’re winning something valuable—whether it’s a personal record, a moment of growth, or just the feeling of doing your best, no matter what. I think that’s why Shiffrin’s approach is so refreshing. She acknowledges that perfection isn’t the end goal. Instead, it’s about continuous improvement and focusing on what’s within your control." She smiles softly, the wisdom of the quote settling in. "The ‘best run’ can look different each time, but that’s where the real challenge and the real win lies."

Host: The room feels quieter now, filled with the realization that perfection isn’t the elusive goal we often make it out to be. Instead, it’s in the pursuit of doing our best, the effort we put in, and the growth we experience along the way that truly counts. Jack and Jeeny sit in that stillness, understanding that every attempt, every effort, is a step forward. The true win is not about achieving perfection but about continuously striving to be better, to give more, and to enjoy the process itself.

As the evening continues, their conversation leaves them with a new sense of clarity: life, much like sports, is about pushing forward, improving with each run, and celebrating the effort, not just the outcome.