ACTION - ADEQUACY

ac·tion 

n.

1. The state or process of acting or doing

2. Something done or accomplished; a deed

3. Organized activity to accomplish an objective

4. The causation of change by the exertion of power or a natural process

5. A movement or a series of movements, as of an actor.

6. Manner of movement

7. Habitual or vigorous activity; energy

8. Behavior or conduct. Often used in the plural.

ad·e·qua·cy 

n.

1. The quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily

I found this bracelet (and the dress and shoes) at the thrift store yesterday and the first thing I noticed was the engraving on each side. I put it on but could not get it off.  I wore it while I shopped and kept thinking the words to myself. It is really well worn, very old, and the engraving looks like it was done by hand with tools, very deliberate, but with uneven depths and slightly off lines.  It occurred to me that this bracelet must have meant a lot to the previous owner, but what did it mean exactly?  Only Act as much as you must to obtain Adequacy?  Action is necessary for Adequacy? 

Adequacy does not imply over and above achievement, or even a really good job, it is just satisfaction.  Its like getting a C.  I thought about this all day yesterday.  I eventually figured out how to work the latch, but I knew I was just supposed to have this thing, this message.  Satisfaction is wonderful and really all I need.  In school I always had straight A's though.  I was even nominated for valedictorian.  I didn't get it.  I wasn't quite as good as the other.  Back then that actually bothered me. I tired so hard to get 100% on everything and for what? Second Place.  Don't get me wrong, it is very satisfying to get 100% or an A but isn't that mostly about my ego?  I know I have definitely relaxed since college.  I feel I have slowly been realizing that satisfaction can be found way below perfection level.  And what is perfection level anyway? Perfect only exists in numbers right? Otherwise it is just a perception that is subject to external variables and standards.  It is subjective not objective. Not measurable.  

So, would someone wear a bracelet (or give a bracelet) that basically serves as a reminder that just simply satisfaction is adequate and that you only have to act as much as is necessary to achieve it?  Do you think that is what it means?  Maybe I am just getting lazier and wish to only put as much effort in as I absolutely need to get by adequately.  Not very ambitious, but I am happy with adequacy right now.


{EDIT: This was a comment left by George: 
"I think perhaps they are motivational - adequacy is not a particularly positive word - and if they are on opposite sides, (which they are, I think) I think it's setting up a contrast - you see the word adequacy, turn the bracelet over and see the word 'action' - reminding you that the only way to surpass adequacy is to do something about it, to act (above and beyond) the level of adequacy. 

Does anyone else understand what I mean? It kind of sets up a dichotomy."}


{EDIT:  merl said...

I agree with George in the fact that 'adequate' does not usually have a positive connotation. If you were to describe something as adequate, I could see a shrug accompanying it.. as if to say well, "it'll do." However, when you actually read, and dissect the definition, satisfaction would imply that you are quite pleased with the results, something adequate doesn't quite convey. Perhaps it's how the word has been used that it has picked up this sub par meaning? People only using it to describe something that meets a certain level or standard, but doesn't exceed expectations..
I can understand your reference to perfection in school being about numbers.. but in the real life, I think it has different meanings for different people. It has a lot to do with basic skill levels (someone more skillful at a certain task could achieve a higher level of 'perfection' versus someone not as able) and also with that individuals standards. I don't necessarily think it's unattainable, or that people shouldn't try their best at whatever they set their mind to every day, but I think some people are prone to striving constantly for perfection, and since they are so blindly driven, they lose the sense of satisfaction that should accompany a job well done.
Personally, I take from this bracelet with its possible inspirational message, that I should strive to achieve things that I'm not only satisfied with, but also am proud of.}

dress: thrifted

blazer: vintage gift

shoes: vintage thrifted

bracelet: vintage thrifted

hat: Dockers

ring: street vendor in Honduras