Perfectionism – it’s a word that carries both power and weight. We often associate it with qualities like being detail-oriented, disciplined, and committed to quality. But what happens when our pursuit of perfection starts to hold us back or even harm us emotionally?
In a recent Instagram post, I delved into the nuances of perfectionism, acknowledging its benefits while also recognizing its potential downsides. As someone who grapples with perfectionism myself, I’ve come to realize the importance of striking a balance, especially when it comes to influencing the mindset of my loved ones, particularly my daughter.
Rather than striving for perfection, I advocate for embracing the concept of “just right.” It’s a mindset shift that fosters resilience and self-compassion, acknowledging that perfection is not only unrealistic but also unnecessary for success and fulfillment.
So, how can we combat perfectionism and liberate ourselves from its grip? One powerful strategy is reframing failure as feedback. Instead of fearing failure, we can view it as valuable information that guides our decisions and actions. By embracing feedback, we empower ourselves to make adjustments and improvements along the way, leading to growth and progress.
Being Good Enough is Good Enough
Moreover, setting realistic goals and embracing the notion of “good enough” are essential steps in overcoming perfectionism. By assessing our time, energy, and resources, we can determine what level of effort is appropriate for a given task, freeing ourselves from the pressure to achieve unattainable standards.
Julie Morgenstern, an organizing and time management expert, shared a compelling example during a seminar I once attended. Imagine you’re asked to bring a dessert to a church or school bake sale. The primary goal? Presenting a delicious treat. At one extreme, you could invest significant time, energy, and resources into sourcing local ingredients and hand-baking a masterpiece. On the other end, you could simply swing by the store for pre-made goodies. Both options achieve the same goal—contributing to the bake sale. A middle ground exists, too: using boxed ingredients to bake something. The key is assessing your schedule, energy levels, and available resources to determine what’s “good enough” for this task at this time. It’s okay if your approach varies each time—it’s about making the best decision for the moment. Let’s normalize embracing “good enough” because all three examples get the job done, albeit with varying levels of investment.
To facilitate this process, I encourage asking three critical questions:
- What is the most I can do to complete [task]?
- What is the least I can do to complete [task]?
- What do I have the time, energy, and resources to do to complete [task]?
These questions serve as a compass, guiding us toward a balanced approach that moves us forward without overwhelming us.
Breaking free from perfectionism is not a sprint but a series of small decisions and habits that lead to lasting change. By prioritizing self-care, self-worth, and positive self-talk, we can cultivate a mindset of intentional personal productivity that empowers us to focus on what truly matters.
If you’re ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, consider joining the waitlist for my Purposeful Productivity Coaching program. Joining us early means you’ll be at the forefront, unlocking exclusive perks like early bird discounts and founding member bonuses. Don’t miss out—click here to sign up now and secure your spot!
Together, we can challenge perfectionism, redefine success, and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Let’s embrace the power of “just right” and unlock our full potential. Are you in?
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Remember, perfection is overrated, but progress is priceless. Let’s strive for progress, not perfection, and embark on a journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Share in the comments below one thing you’re going shift from trying to be perfect to good enough. Don’t forget to spread the purposeful productivity love by sharing this blog with a friend in need!
