Some people I know relate to this word and understand it all to well. I am one of those people. I have been striving to be perfect in everything I take on since I was young. Always striving to be the best at whatever the task is in front of me. However, in recent years perfectionism has turned into procrastination. The concern that I might not be able to do something perfectly, has caused me to put off the task and have it hanging over my head.
Recently I was talking with a group of friends and the conversation landed on the topic of perfectionism and the toll it takes on a person. The best piece of advice I got that day was
"Strive for Excellence, not Perfection."
These words seemed so simple (as often the words of wisdom are), but freeing at the same time.It was not that I had to give up striving and pushing myself to go for what I want.
It wasn't about stopping the pride I take in my work and wanting to do a good job.
It was not even about having to stop making what I do the best it can be.
What the words did provide was the freedom to not be perfect (which really is unrealistic anyway).
The freedom to release the inner critic, just a little bit, and allow myself to move forward while maintaining a standard of excellence.
It is not about being perfect - it is about finding the brilliance in the minor imperfections.
For me it was about setting a standard that I wanted to reach and then giving that idea a little bit of wiggle room. The room to be creative and to get things done.
So for the past few weeks I have strived to be excellent and release my need to be perfect. And slowly .... it is freeing up my time and decreasing my stress - bit...by small bit.
