It is important to have ideals, to set high standards for ourselves.
However, it is also important to understand that we will fall short of whatever ideals and standards we have.
No one is perfect and life is complicated.
We must be adaptable.
This does not mean that we should easily accept moral compromises within ourselves.
But, we will have to compromise.
We will make mistakes.
And, our ideals and standards will be challenged by the realities of life and our own flaws, frailty, and shortcomings.
There is no point in morbidly obsessing over our failings.
Instead, we should reflect, reevaluate, and adjust our perspectives or our actions accordingly.
We must constantly be looking forward.
But, we must look forward with a soft gaze, not a rigid stare.