Tuesday 2 December 2008

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Perfectionism is NOT cool

Make Peace with Imperfection

"I've yet to meet an absolute perfectionist whose life was filled with inner peace. The need for perfection and the desire for inner tranquility conflict with each other. Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are, almost by definition, engaged in a losing battle. Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what's wrong with something and our need to fix it. When we are zeroed in on what's wrong, it implies that we are dissatisfied, discontent...

...This strategy has nothing to do with ceasing to do your very best but with being overly attached and focused on what's wrong with life. It's about realising that while there's always a better way to do something, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy and appreciate the way things already are.

The solution here is to catch yourself when you fall into your habit of insisting that things should be other than they are. Gently remind yourself that life is okay the way it is, right now. As you begin to eliminate your need for perfection in all areas of your life, you'll begin to discover the perfection in life itself."

From "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson

I really relate to this. I've always striven for perfection and never met it. So I really need to remember this. Life will be just great, even if things aren't perfect.

2 comments:

A Wanderer's Heart 2 December 2008 at 19:35  

I also struggle with perfectionism. We long for perfect, because it's what we were created for. But I think I'm learning to live out grace now, and anticipate the perfection that is to come. :)

Anonymous 8 December 2008 at 10:43  

I am too a 'perfectionist', with a 'Type A' personality. I find it a struggle to cope with it a lot of the time, although it does make life interesting too.

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