If you’re a perfectionist like me, things are never quite good enough. My mind is always churning with ideas of how to improve this, or squeeze that into the schedule, or prepare for possibility X.

Someone asked me once, “What’s your satisfaction ratio?” My what? She meant, what percent of the time are you at peace and content? What percent of the time are you somewhat ruffled or worried or stressed? And what percent of the time are you in full crisis mode?

I won’t share my answer, but I will share that putting numbers to the question provided valuable perspective. It made me take stock that things aren’t as bad as they seem sometimes.

After I learned the concept, I realized it can apply in many variations. For example, sometimes family members are reconsidering their participation in a family business, especially if there is ongoing conflict. I found it helpful to put a number to the ratio of how often you’re feeling:

I can’t tell you what numerical ratio is right for you. But putting a number to it helps you logically evaluate reality, rather than emotionally react in the moment. And you can set goals and an action plan if you want to change the ratio. 

Davon Cook is a family business consultant at K Coe Isom. Reach Davon at [email protected].

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.