Push for Progress, Not Perfection
I’m a perfectly imperfect perpetual work in progress. ~ Me
Maybe it’s because I’m a lifelong learner… maybe it’s because I’m curious … maybe it’s because I embrace a growth mindset … I look at every interaction with another person as an opportunity for growth. Nothing ventured - nothing gained.
However, although I don’t consider myself a “perfectionist,” I do like things a certain way.
This week’s topic of progress over perfection encapsulates all of this month's topics - finding strength amidst adversity and learning from mistakes.
I could stand paralyzed by the thought of not getting something “perfect” and never even TRY. It takes a lot of strength to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and just TRY.
Just this week … I did some hard things. I had a big meeting with a local Foundation. There was a big number on the table for a big idea - a REALLY big idea. I was nervous. There were a lot of people in the (zoom) room and they asked hard questions. It was a really big and brave step towards a future for Courage to Caregivers that looks promising. Was I perfect in my presentation - in my answers? No. I spoke from the heart - did the best I could - was supported by some amazing people. Did I feel good? Yes. Did I learn something? Yes. If we don’t get this grant - will I try again? Yes .. over and over and over again. Will it be worth it? YES.
I am reminded of one of my favorite Brené Brown books - “The Gifts of Imperfection.” There are 10 “gifts” of imperfection - 10 guideposts for wholehearted living:
Cultivating Authenticity and Letting Go of What Other People Think
Cultivating Self-Compassion and Letting Go of Perfectionism
Cultivating Your Resilient Spirit, Letting Go of Numbing and Powerlessness
Cultivating Gratitude and Joy, Letting go of Scarcity and Fear of the Dark
Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith, Letting Go of the Need for Certainty
Cultivating Creativity and Letting Go of Comparison
Cultivating Play and Rest, Letting Go of Exhaustion as a Status Symbol and Productivity as Self-Worth
Cultivating Calm and Stillness and Letting Go of Anxiety as a Lifestyle
Cultivating Meaningful Work, Letting Go of Self-Doubt and Supposed-To
Cultivating Laughter, Song, and Dance. And Letting Go of Cool and Always in Control
I’m not an adventurous person - a thrill seeker - someone who likes to step outside her comfort zone. Yet, the work I feel called to do in the name of caregiver support and preventing caregiver burnout asks hard things of me .. on top of my caregiving (also hard).
What’s one micro-step you can take towards a larger goal you have?
What’s holding you back from taking that micro-step? Is it fear?
Fear of getting it “perfect?” Fear of what someone else might think of you?
It takes courage and strength … which can feel hard. Yet, if we don’t TRY - taking micro-steps, then bigger steps, and then ultimately giant leaps of faith - we won’t get anywhere.