Chapter 18 • Verse 48
सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत्। सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण धूमेनाग्निरिवावृताः॥
sahajaṁ karma kaunteya sa-doṣham api na tyajet sarvārambhā hi doṣheṇa dhūmenāgnir ivāvṛitāḥ
Meaning
One should not abandon one's natural work, O son of Kunti, even though it has defects. For all undertakings are covered by defects, as fire by smoke.
Don't abandon your natural calling even if it has flaws. All actions have some defect — like fire inevitably has smoke. Perfection isn't about finding flawless work but doing your work with devotion.
Strength Reflection
"I accept my work's imperfections and continue with devotion."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, I offer my imperfect work to You, knowing all action has smoke.