I wouldn’t say I am a perfectionist, but others may describe me as that. I like everything to have a place and be in it. I love to organize and keep it that way. I am noticing that I have a tendency to lean towards an all-or-nothing type attitude–striving for perfection and not focusing on progress.
A couple quick examples:
- I didn’t workout following the plan, so I must start over next week.
- I didn’t follow the cleaning schedule so I should catch up on ALL of it this weekend.
- I didn’t post my blog about second shooting so I shouldn’t post anything at all.
- I didn’t work on any of my DIY projects so I shouldn’t even pull out my craft box.
The all-or-nothing attitude considers only a black and white perspective—either you do it and do it well or don’t do it at all. This is where I’m stuck and, friend, if you are too then I have a few words for the both of us.
Give yourself grace
You don’t have to do it all and be everything to everyone. You’ve heard the expression and seen it on coffee mugs: You can do anything but you can’t do everything. It is so true. We try so hard and spread ourselves so thin—maybe lower the expectations you have on yourself even just a bit. At the least, re-evaluate your priorities.
Focus on your progress
Instead of focusing on all the items on your to-do list that you haven’t crossed off yet, focus on the small things that you did accomplish.
- I didn’t workout everyday this week, but I did workout 3 days and that is more than last week.
- I didn’t follow the cleaning schedule, but I did do 2 loads of laundry and cleaned the bathrooms.
- I didn’t post my blog about second shooting, but I am going to post this one.
- I didn’t work on my DIY projects, but I did buy all the materials last night.
Perfection is an illusion
You are not perfect and neither am I or anyone else. Did you know that when the Amish make a quilt, they actually make sure there is a flaw in it because nothing is perfect except Jesus? Talk about taking the pressure off when creating a beautiful masterpiece. You and I should do the same.
Instead of aiming for perfection, which is unobtainable and relative, we should look at our progress.
Am I better today than I was yesterday?
Am I moving forward (even slowly) and not backwards?
Let’s take the pressure off others and ourselves by focusing on progress over perfection.
