Chasing perfection can be tempting. It makes us believe that if we get everything exactly right, like following a flawless training plan or a perfect patch cycle, we’ll be safe from risks or mistakes. But perfection is fragile. One mistake or setback, and it falls apart. That’s when persistence matters most.
Persistence, on the other hand, is unbreakable and endures where perfection falters.
Anyone who’s trained in martial arts or strength sports knows some days you set PRs, some days you don’t. Some days you win; other days, you learn. The outcome of a single session doesn’t matter; what counts is that you keep showing up.
Cybersecurity runs on the same principle. Rather than expecting flawless results, it relies on the daily commitment, running scans, monitoring logs, and applying updates, which builds resilience over time.
Why Perfection Fails
- Unrealistic expectations: Nobody patches everything at once. Expecting to do so leads to burnout.
- Procrastination: Waiting until you can do it “perfectly” means it never gets done.
- Fragility: Perfection breaks under stress; persistence adapts.
Why Persistence Wins
- Consistency compounds. One small patch today, another tomorrow, adds up to systemic strength.
- Resilience under pressure. When incidents occur, teams that have developed daily habits respond more quickly.
- Adaptability. Persistence isn’t rigid; it bends, adjusts, and continues forward.
The Martial Arts Parallel
Martial artists don’t achieve mastery through perfection. They drill basics until instinctive, spar, fail, and adapt. Each session is about persistence; the discipline of returning to the mat, working on strikes, footwork, counter-wrestling, etc, etc.
Cybersecurity professionals must do the same. Drill, repeat, refine, and drill some more. That way, when the attacks come, your persistence in training wins the day.
Closing Thought:
Persistence, not perfection, is the key to success. Perfection is unattainable, persistence ensures progress, and tangible results.
Matt Shannon, Security Pro 