The Simple Quote That Changed Everything for Me | Motivational Quotes to Live By 

At 70, I live by two mantras…do what brings you joy and expect the best. They both serve me well.

Your video reminded me of a sign I once saw hanging on an acquaintance's wall: "My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy". Love, Anneke

This is also so good for people like me that get paralyzed in the to do list and do NOTHING!

This reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha when Martha was too busy to sit at the feet of Jesus with Mary!!! When my children were young you literally could have eaten off my floors (which my sister use to tell all her friends!) but now I enjoy looking at the hand prints of my grandson on the windows and miss him when he isn’t here! My saying is “life’s short don’t sweat the small stuff”. There will be plenty of time for a clean house after your children are gone. Thanks for the reminder!❤️❤️❤️

It was Voltaire who said “Perfection is the enemy of good” and he was right. It’s a hard lesson to learn for those of us who are plagued by the desire to be perfect and to expect perfection. I had an Aha moment that changed me as well. Years ago I bought a mug in haste while on vacation. When I came home and unpacked it I noticed that one of the dots in the mug’s pattern was a little askew. No one would notice but it jumped out at me whenever I looked at it. It really upset me having wasted my money and suitcase space on ‘junk’. Needless to say the mug was relegated to the back of the mug collection. Then I injured my hand, and wouldn’t you know it, that mug was the only one I could comfortably hold because of the angular shape of its handle. The lesson for me was that imperfect things can end up being ‘just right’ for the job. Age has made me more humble and has lowered my expectations of others and the world in general. I’ve learned to say ‘good enough’ and I’m much happier and relaxed for it.

Renee your right, Done is better then perfect I say that every time I put on my makeup 💄 at 67 & full white gray hair 🎉🎉👍👍

I love the real, simple and not “ perfect” videos you post! I’m a concert violinist and in all my professional life, I was expected to provide perfection…. There is no perfection in life, art or even humans! And I love the fact that you don’t have music in your videos. It’s very soothing, not pretentious and a pleasure to watch. Looking forward to your future videos on YT💐

In honor of Father’s Day, I will share my father’s lesson to us when we were kids. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” It isn’t exactly the same thing, but has the similar effect of not getting bogged down in the minutiae or stressing over things that don’t matter.

Renee, I think when we get older we realize everything doesn't have to be perfect. We waste precious time when were young. I agree with everything you said. We only have a short time on this earth, let us not be so spastic about the little things. Love your show!

The reason we all love you, is because you're real. You girl, are a boss lady and that's what I admire about you. You don't know me, but I have adopted many of your philosophies and I'm better for it. So thank you for just being you! Much love from Ontario NY 🥰

I love your mantra! When I was getting overwhelmed and stressed out at my new job, a coworker gave me a clip belt that states "Progress not Perfection!" You are so right. We aren't perfect and shouldn't expect to be perfect. Have a great weekend!

Renee, you are so right sometimes we forget the important things. We need to stop and motivate ourselves, but not to the extent of feeling obligated to look perfect or be perfect in everything we do. I think that as we get older, we realize that those things that we thought were so important or not important at all. The sooner we realize this, we will be so much happier. Thank you for a great video! 😊

I think you just described why I really love your videos and Instagram!! Perfection is not attainable and when I see creators who "create" the moment it doesn't feel like something we might actually live. Thanks for being real!

I get this. “Done is better than Perfect”. I love this. I’m retired and I realized that I don’t have to spend a full day cleaning my home. I take one or two rooms and the rest wait for another day. This mantra speaks exactly how I feel. Thanks for sharing. I love your content the way it is. This is what keeps me returning and why I subscribed 😊

that is a perfect mantra. i imagine it makes you smile

I love your mantra! Though I have never been a perfectionist I can still relate to your mantra. I like things tidy but my husband doesn’t pay much attention to tidy. So, I make sure things get cleaned up and after 49 years together I just tidy up after him and don’t stress about trying to get him to do it. Tidy is my thing after all, not his…and I remind myself about this each and every day. 😊

This reminded me about my late Mom who had chore day and we all had our chores. What I remember about my graduation day (1967) was hurrying to get the polishing done before we could leave for the ceremony. That’s so sad that that’s what I remember. Not that it was happy occasion to celebrate my achievements and awards.

Amen! I bought a t-shirt a couple of years ago that says “Be real, not perfect.” Like you, my Saturdays were spent cleaning and washing clothes, yardwork, all the things. I now regret in my old age not spending that time with my children doing fun things. I enjoy your videos and appreciate your hard work!🙌🏻

You are authentic and that’s what has made your channel so successful. You are our friend. Thank you for all you do for us.

I live with a husband that was taught from his father to be as close to perfect as you can. It makes everyone around you miserable. If he would do anything small around the house, it might take a lot of the day. Saying that, it was done right, but I think he has put more on his self and others around him. I believe that done is better than perfect. You don’t need to do everything you do like you will never need to do it again. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and can’t been his mind on doing the things he has done his while life. Enjoy life and the people you love, that’s what is the most important thing. Thank you for making this video, it may make people stop and think what is most important. Enjoy watching your videos. Have a good day.

Love your quote to live by. I was a procrastinator due to trying to be perfect. Now I "Live by grace, not perfection". Much better for me and those around me! So glad I found your channel.

many of the fancy technical perfect videos I see are just smoke and mirrors. Trying to be perfect in such an imperfect world filled with facades. Thank you Renee for this video as a positive reminder to all.

Renee, I've been with you for years. I watched you through the ice cream store and threw your gray hair transition. I love your videos. But this mantra is going to be something I adopt. I'm like you, everything has to be perfect and I drive my own self crazy. No more. I'm 67 years old and I don't have the energy for it anymore frankly. LOL

Renee, perfect timing! I was just getting ready to upload my video to utube and noticed paper noise from my notes in the background. Then the dog was barking at a squirrel right outside my window, I stopped the video, went to take care of the dog, she got off the deck and chanced the squirrel. By the time I got back in the house to start shooting the video again I was hot so I took off a sweater I was wearing to cover my old arms and left my microphone hooked to it! So, the sound was hallowed on the last video! After listening to you I just uploaded the darned thing! Thank you! 💕💕

I’ve just had a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction and the hardest thing for me has been letting go and accepting the help I have needed during recovery, and not looking too closely at my house, or dwell on the things I cannot do right now. My husband has done his very best to take care of me and keep things in order. I’ve been forced to accept that it is enough, and boy, it is hard to do that. This has been a lesson I really needed, I’ve learned that if my house isn’t perfect and people come over, I won’t just die from embarrassment. I’ve learned to accept help from others and to really appreciate my friends and family for all they’ve done to help me through this. They don’t care if my house isn’t perfect, nor are they even expecting it, I put that on myself.

Oh my! Did this video ever speak to me. Almost my life story, except we had 2 boys. It took my complete bed rest for my boys to convince me Done is better than perfect, But even though they are grown I still sweat the small stuff too much. I could totally relate to stressing over spacing/white space, being consistant with abbreviations, My husband would say who cares, my reply was I DO at 1:00 in the morning getting out a newsletter for my early childhood teachers in the district.

I LOVE this mantra!!!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Renee just wanted to say that my Saturdays were like yours used to be. Back then i was able to clean my entire house like you in just one day because I was young, had energy & good health. That also meant missing time with my husband on our only day off. When our only child was born it bothered me that I couldn't do that anymore because I was now a "24-hour" mom to a newborn. Thankfully, I realized that being a 24-hour mom was what I was meant to be, not a 24-hour maid. Mom & wife was more important than anything. I quit work, stayed home to spend time loving my child but still being able to keep a clean home, homeschool her and giving her all the tools to be a woman who one day may be in my shoes. She's almost 27 now living on her own living her best life enjoying friends and taking those trips and just being free enough to have no regrets. I must've done something right bc her place is "done but not perfect" and that's fine with me.

hair is gorgeous today. all sparkly in sunshine

I love your videos ! As a perfectionist I get this ! I’m sixty and look back with regret at how I mothered my children because of feeling stressed out so much . Play more with your children and learn to let go !

Great video reminding all of us ladies (& men) to leave time for life. Take that little or big trip, have fun with family, read a book, make those crafts, play a recreational sport with friends and enjoy being in the moment. Time passes in a blink of an eye and it doesn't go backwards for us to change how we spent our days. ❤

I love that quote so much!!!

I’ve always loved that saying too. Hard for me at times…but good to remember.

This is great. I worked at a place that had the mantra “don’t let perfect get in the way of better” and it helped me so much. I remind myself of that when I catch myself overthinking on a project etc.

I totally agree Renee. I used to make custom couture dresses. I would finish a dress and find myself checking it over and over. Every seam. Every part of it. I would then decide it was perfect but when I went to bed I would start stewing about it and thinking things like the customer is not going to like it or maybe I should have done something different.. I never ever had a complaint and one for one my dresses were a hit but the stress I put myself through was unnecessary . It took me a long time to learn this lesson but it is very true

Thank you for this video, All the perfectionists need to see this! Being a perfectionist myself, I see the truth in this mantra, always getting myself so caught up in the details, wasting time, stressing & not being productive, because it wasn’t perfect!! I’m also adopting this mantra starting today!❤

Amen sister! Progress not Perfection.

I really needed to hear this today. Meeting a new potential fur family member (cat) tomorrow. Working today as usual. Had to remind myself that new special litter box for a cat with mobility issues has been delivered, the new food dishes get delivered today, and got told what brand of food he's eating at the shelter and that's being delivered tomorrow. Needed this reminder to take a breath and just be and focus on the important things things.

yes, love your mantra and your videos are just fine the way they are.

I'm retired for 12 years. Worked for the government for 30+ years. My office was never immaculate. But I did know where everything was and could produce it within a few moments. If I couldn't, I took it as a sign that it was time to clean my office. To the outsider, it didn't appear organized. But to me - totally organized. Cleaning everything immaculately is a waste of time. You'll just have to do it again tomorrow. It can be done well enough and that's enough.

I agree with your mantra, Renee, but let me expand on that. I’m older than you, and I’ve noticed that by trying to be in the moment and actually paying attention to what I’m doing, I do a better job and it’s more fulfilling. Instead of trying to rush through things, barely focused on wiping that counter just trying to hurry with my mind whirring about what I need to do next, or dwelling on something that already happened and can’t be changed, I simply think about wiping the counter, I “slow my roll” 😂 and think about the task at hand, not just swiping and running to the next thing. It takes no extra time, and it makes me feel more content about what I did. It sure takes practice being in the moment, but it helps me feel like my life isn’t rushing by, while I’m running around like a deranged chicken 🐔 😊

It’s a great philosophy I’m glad you found it……..

I say “ I am living in REAL LIFE!” My home and life are lived in.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POLLUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome video, Renee! Thanks for this.

This was very helpful to me Renee. I am a perfectionist and it holds me back from getting chores done at times. I either go full force and get it as close to perfect as possible or I get overwhelmed by the thought of a task and just don’t do it, such as cleaning a closet. I am taking on your mantra….Thank you😃

Yes I lived my early years with people saying they could eat off my floors they were so clean, no weeds in gardens and lawns everything was perfect , now in my late 70’s health has forced me to slow right down and I’m sitting an awful lot looking at what I can’t do anymore 🥲 your mantra is good when I watch you ladies doing your content it’s nice to think we’re having a cuppa together as friends do. So please continue your chatty videos maybe make yourself a cuppa sometimes and sit with us to chat . Thank you 🙌🌺💕

Love this saying, Renee! I learned about it a year ago and it has changed my life for the better. It has made medical school more manageable. The perfectionism was preventing me from getting things done. Thank you for sharing!! ❤

Perfect mantra Renee! 🙂

Boy do I relate to this! I also worked a high level corporate job for many years. I had an amazing boss who told me this “80% is good enough”, meaning it doesn’t need to be perfect. I used to stress over finding the perfect colour, or perfect font, or perfect presentation. I’m now in my 60s and so much more relaxed. My mantra is “ good enough is good enough”. No one cares about the perfect flower arrangement or perfect table setting. Life is short! Enjoy the ride. I’m a recent subscriber and boy am I glad I came across your channel. Keep being you! 🙏💕

Helpful video. We’re all a work in progress. My aunt was a busy lady and one thing she said while cleaning as I was a child has stayed with me: it’s getting a lick and a promise. I labeled myself for years as an organized person but my daughter in law said no, you’re OCD. Anyway, now that I’m 78, I am alone and do what I can when I can. I do have regrets though. One more thing, my late husband grew up with a father who was a principal raising 5 boys and expected a lot from them that left a lifetime of stress with my husband. He practiced perfectionism for sure. One incident I can’t forget was replacing a screw under a table and he would not use a screw that didn’t match. Nobody was going to look under the table to check! Bless his heart.

That was so needed right now. I’m 81 and a long time quilter and sewist. I’m easily discouraged now because things just don’t turn out the way I expect them to be so I give up. I have so many things waiting for me to finish it’s embarrassing. Thank you for your post. I’m going to put that mantra on my bulletin board and follow it. ❤

Done is better than perfect- love it my new mantra.❤

I love your quote. I find myself saying "It is what it is" a lot!

It took me to my 50’s too to not stress the small stuff & not be a perfectionist. Now, I don’t worry when people come over. My house is always neat, but may not be spick & span. They are coming to see me, not my house. I don’t want to spend my time off just cleaning. I’ve enjoyed it & my free time immensely. Btw, love your more authentic videos more than the “commercial” ones.

It is such a a time waster trying to redo everything, add all the extras, and try to copy what others do. Our lives are so different and some people only have social media to interact with. A motto I wrote when I would try to do everything and stressed about more than I could do is, (A Journey to an Unchained Heart, Happens One Beat at a Time". This is in reference to our physical heart, emotional heart, spiritual heart, and joyful heart. I used to be extreme in organizing and researching every little thing while not enjoying the little special moments of the day. After almost dying from heart issues, a broken heart from grief, loss of joy from missing out as I aged, and just life in general; my focus is on priorities that mattered. If I had died in my 40's people would have said that I missed out and stressed about things... Take care of yourself, do what makes you happy, don't overspend, and surround yourself with people that makes your heart beat.

Great mantra! I too, used to get bogged down in the details, especially back in the day when I was working in my marketing job. One day, when I was particularly stressed out, a very wise boss shared with me her mantra - "20 year theory" - if someone would remember in 20 years the particular thing I was getting stressed about, then it probably is important. But if it is something forgetable, then it wasn't worth the stress in my life. And yes, I can't remember what I was stressed out that particular day, but I do remember her advice! Love your videos!

I think a person has to live a life and go through some good and bad before they get to a point where this montra can be applied. After the kids are grown and gone do you look back at your life and reflect, start prioritizing due these montras come. Live a full happy life!

You have GOT to be a Virgo!!! I am the same way, I drive people crazy and I drive myself crazy!!!

I remember way back when my daughters were toddlers The FLYlady had a quote in her book called "Sink Reflections". She said "Housework done imperfectly still blesses your family". That really struck a chord with me... Thank you, Renee, for another useful topic. Now that I'm in my mid-50' and recovering from a stroke...I will add you're mantra.

So true! Thanks for the reminder. I have incorporated this into most of my life. I,too, was too caught up in shoulds and perfectionism when my children were young. I have learned to lighten up. On many areas of life- but not so much on new and unknown things. Your words today have given me grace and inspiration as I have contemplated content creating for a long while now but my fear of perfect has held me back. Thanks for the loving kick in the pants!

Renee, I agree with everything you said. I love your mantra! I think age really helps us realize what is important and what things can wait (or are no longer important at all). I’m also a perfectionist. But as I’ve gotten older, I like to think I’ve learned not to be one so much. It’s definitely liberating to let go of what we used to think was important in the every day. Being retired now, I am enjoying not being quite as perfect and your mantra has reminded me that there are other women like me and they (like you) have let go of perfection. How wonderful! Thank you for this video! A home run in my book. Have a great weekend!

I love that mantra! I honestly don't need to see fancy graphics and hear music especially when the content is so good. My mantra has been Let Them since I have FOMO! 😂 I heard that one from Mel Robbins.

This may be a therapy session for yourself to speak what needs to get off your heart. Because as far as I can tell, none of us want your videos to have one more detail or be any different than what you brought to us today.

That is a great way to live! Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

I agree with you 100 percent!

Amen! I so needed to hear this. I love it!

You help all of us so so much love your channel thanks again 🥰

This is such an important message - thank you so so much ❤

I loved this video ❤ I love the mantra and now I can’t “unhear” it🥰 I’ve always tried to do this, but I never put it in those terms. When my two kids were young (now I have grandchildren and great grandchildren) I believe it more than ever!!! I know they will remember the time you spent together much more than if every surface in my entire house was spotless. I have so many ❤ heart memories to treasure. True wisdom…thank you for sharing!

Love this Montra!!! Thank you for sharing and you are totally right!!!!

I like your mantra and I think it will help many to value their time and do what is truly important to them.

Brilliant Renee. I Will incorporate into my day to day “done is better than perfect”

Renee! I needed this! I love that you are real and I love your videos!! God bless you and your family!

Love your saying! I’m in my mid-60s and left corporate life one year ago. I spent decades putting the priority on my work and fit my family in between the demands of work (and my own perfectionism). I’m sorry for those choices. Although I can’t get that time back (it’s done) I can give my family my time now…which is exactly what I’m doing. Thank you for your inspiration and grace.

Hi Renee love your thought provoking video today . My words of wisdom for myself as the years go by is “ I get to” not “ I have to”. Every day hour minute is a privilege ❤️

Hi Renee I just love this . Thankfully I was a young mom married 10 months and had my son who is now 45 . my girl came 2 yrs later . Before them I was a perfectionist even my horoscope “ Virgo” says I was one lol . I promised myself I wouldn’t put that upon my kids and I didn’t . fast forward to now . Having two amazing grandkids My M&m’s Michael and Marianna . being retired from a managers position in retail who always had to have the “ perfect” staff etc now , I just love life along with my hubby of 46 yrs . I still have a touch of ocd but never knew I now do what you say “ Done Is better than perfect “ ty for all you do 🌻🌻🌻

I love my to do lists! I sometimes feel guilty when I know I haven’t done things perfectly. I’ll remember your mantra! Thank you!

Love your mantra! I’ve had similar struggles with perfectionism. I tell myself on a regular basis to get out of my own head!! I’ll add yours too. Thanks for sharing!

Renee.. Thank you for your mantra and sharing it. I can relate to being a perfectionist and taking so much time making sure it’s just right. I will definitely keep this in mind to complete something faster. Also when you mentioned spending so much time cleaning when you could have spent it more with your kids I can also relate to. I love your channel and have learned so much from you. Thank you.

When I think about the videos I enjoy the most, it's the videos that aren't perfect. It's the videos where someone mis-speaks, stops, laughs at themselves (and I can laugh along with them), and goes on. They don't take the time to go back and get it "perfect". I follow one young man who reacts to music. I just love to watch him because he is so "real". If he's enjoying something he's bopping his head, clapping his hands, has a big smile on his face, he'll laugh. He's so real and genuine. He's not perfect, he's real. I've watched videos where people talk about the "technical" stuff (oh, they used an en-harmonic A flat here). I don't enjoy those as much. I enjoy the guy who doesn't know all the technical stuff but who does enjoy himself and watching him enjoy himself makes me enjoy myself. I don't want to watch people who are perfect because then I feel so inadequate. I am lots of things, but no one will ever accuse me of being perfect. And I'll never achieve perfection, no matter how hard I try, no matter how hard I work. So, yes, done is better than perfect.

Amen!

Right on Renee! I love this video, this took guts. Yes, life is short, and time goes by quickly. Enough is just that. Enjoy your life, your loved ones and kick that self pressure out the door. Blessings.

Hi Renee from Canada. I am 80 retired but very active still. You are totally right about Done being better than Perfect. I have thought the same for last 10 years and am so much more relaxed, more time for family and just myself. You will live longer and truly stay physically healthier. Reduces stress significantly. Way to go girl. Love the dogs and seeing what Randy is up to. He is quite the cook especially on the BBQ and grill. Enjoy the summer. Regards.

OH MY! We are twins! It was like looking in a mirror of myself!! 😂😂 And I absolutely am shamelessly stealing your “Mantra”!

I have a very similar motto...there is no such thing as perfection because everyone's perception of perfection is different...thank you for sharing Renee 😊

Great video Renee Love a good quote Done is Better Than Perfect love it My new saying or quote is Old Habits Never Open New Doors I'd like it printed on tshirts Thanks Renee

Great video! With age comes wisdom....my mantra is "better", not perfect but better.

Love this !! I will be using this❤

Boy did this hit home for me. Good is good enough. I to spent a lot of time trying to have a perfect home. Wished I could have that time back and used it better with my kiddos. Now in my 70’s my house isn’t perfect, time better spent on making memories and living life imperfectly…it feels and is “Good Enough”. Thanks for being you!

Enjoyed the video Rene.

This was a great video, Renee, one of your best. I thought about your mantra on my beach walk this morning. I have put pressure on myself to be perfect all my life, instead of accepting imperfection and loving myself as I am. Takes work to change that thought process, day by day until it becomes a habit.

Great message Renee, you are wise and dedicated to your projects. Thanks for sharing parts of your life journey and thoughts as we all strive to sojourner on,

I love it!!! I wish I had adopted that motto when my children were still at home, too.

Done is better than perfect .. that's good thank you

Renee, I get it and I totally agree. Thanks for sharing and it definitely keeps me moving along. Enjoy. 😊

Excellent idea as I was the same when I was working. In early, out late, worked weekends, did anyone care, no.

Greetings Renee! This is such a helpful video! That certainly is a wonderful mantra, and I hope it will help me as I go throughout my day. Love and blessings ♥️🙏

Just the message I needed today ❤ Thank you Renee!!!

Thanks, Renee, I needed to hear this today. The desire for perfection keeps me from accomplishing many things. I wrote your mantra down and put it where I can see it all the time💕 Love your videos!