High End Validation

"...."we polish and re-polish the gem so many times we don't recognize the luster"

Oh yeh!~ That's why outsiders think we are nuts. :-)

In my experience though, some times the phrase could use a substitution of the words turd and stink for gem and luster.

But I wish I had a nickel for every time I've rested and thought 'this is so good I can't imagine how it could be improved'. And that thought lasts as long as it takes for me to find a way. Thank god it's fun, otherwise this compulsion would drive us whacko.

I wish I had used a word other than validation.

That really wasn't the point at all.

I, for one, didn’t take the word “validation” in the OP as a sign of ego, narcissism, or anything else pathological. I took it to mean “satisfaction” or “gratification,” the kind that results from another person’s recognition of your success at something to which you have devoted considerable time and effort. In my view, that is a feeling that needs no justification.

I took it to mean “satisfaction” or “gratification,” the kind that results from another person’s recognition of your success at something to which you have devoted considerable time and effort.
Bryoncunningham (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Yes. You understand it.

Yet, prior to the comment about the piano being made, I was still striving to attain the goal. The comment by the delivery person made me recognize that in some measure, the goal had been already been achieved.

Sometimes we need a metaphorical smack up side our head to wake us up to reality.

Yikes. I really needed to edit the post above. Sorry for the confusing syntax.

I used to deliver pizzas.

I say take a pat on the back when you can.