It's "make it work" time

I'm watching episodes of Project Runway on DVD - it's the fashion design reality show on Bravo. Peter Gunn, the stodgy fashion teacher who encourages and gives instructions to the designers, often tells them "two hours to go; make it work!" I've started using it to encourage myself,when I have little time or resources to complete what seems a huge task (like learning how to teach - 16 hrs and counting, folks!) in a short period of time. I like it because he doesn't say "half-ass it", or "get it done, it's too late to get it right". When you take music composition lessons, the best compliment you can get from your instructor is "it works." Contrary to popular belief, there is a degree of objectivity that can be used when judging a piece of music, or art, or fashion. You can make a judgement on whether or not your piece makes aesthetic sense - whether the pieces fit with each other, and the whole. When those elements work together, they communicate; they work.

I don't like the phrase, "do your best." What is your best? Now THAT'S subjective. Focus less on your limits or potential, perceived or real, and focus on the task at hand. And make it work.