Right on the front wall of my academy you will see in big letters “Progress not Perfection” I believe we are all on a journey of self discovery and growth. I coined a phrase years ago that we are human “becomings” opposed to human beings. Because life is a path of self discovery, we are growing and shaping as we proceed on this journey.
I strongly believe Perfection is the enemy of happiness, productivity, and mental health. I am willing to alter my expectations to enhance my life.
My ability to accept progress over perfection permits happiness to enter my life. Perfection is an obstacle to happiness. I do my best and accept the results. By avoiding the need for perfection, I am happier. The people around me are happier, too.
I get much more accomplished when I am free of the need to be perfect. The need to be perfect can trigger procrastination. It is easy for me to get started on my work each day. I use my time wisely and accept progress mindset and what life brings. Giving my best each day is my habit and good enough for my life. With the progress and do my best mindset each day my productivity increased significantly.
I am more content and relaxed when I remember that perfection is a myth. Accepting the results of my efforts ensures that I sleep better and enjoy my spare time more. The desire for perfection creates stress and anxiety.
I realize that perfection is an impossibility for others, too. I maintain reasonable standards for the people in my life, but I avoid having unreasonable expectations.I accept others as they are.
Today, I am doing my best and accepting the outcomes I produce. I am content when I allow others and myself to be less than perfect.
Self-Reflection Questions:
- What has a need for perfection cost me in the past?
- How have my relationships been affected by expecting too much from others?
- What will I gain by having more reasonable expectations?
