If you are into version control then you know the number of drafts it takes before you achieve the V27_final_final.doc version of your document. The beauty of constantly iterating is that you work doesn’t remain stagnant. When you build something, the first version of it sucks. In fact by the time to you get to the final_final version, you marvel at how far you have come. I have noticed this with my writing and with other creative pursuits. The longer you keep at it, the better it becomes. But iteration for the sake of iteration is not welcome. In fact in those times, it becomes annoying.
But instead locking up a version temporarily and opening it up for feedback produces extraordinary results for the next iteration. Like a prototype. But this is so hard to do in real life. You tend to think that the shot you take is your best one. And you can’t reach much higher. This is where reflection comes into play. Constant reflection to identify patterns can be the key to many complex problems of our life, especially the ones which recur time and again.
Does this apply to becoming a better person? They say better everyday is about showing up and consistency. It is about repeating the same thing but only marginally better than the previous day. Is this the form of iterative living which is supposedly beneficial to all? Who decides what is better, what are the margins? Could Sisyphus have done anything differently on his journey to the top every morning? Does showing up earlier at the station guarantee a better seat on the AC local?
Maybe iterations and feedback loops are better only for the inanimate. For the flesh and blood, there are other systems in place. In my case, they don’t seem to work much. But you continue to try, trying to get better, even marginally if so.