Reformed Perfectionist
I was reading the article attached about the challenges of mentoring a Perfectionist. I am proud to say that I am a reformed Perfectionist. My best day was the day I recognized that trying to be perfect was an impossible task and I finally, openly, admitted I was not perfect. That set me free and I lived a much happier and productive life afterward! I am still highly competitive, and expect excellence in performance, however, I avoid procrastination and move things forward with determination and focus, without judgement and self criticism. A coach once taught me – a “B” in the field is worth more than an “A” in production. Meaning, just get something done and out there, you can adjust and tweak, but if you keep it to yourself until it’s perfect, you are holding something helpful and valuable back from the world and it’s not an ethical thing to do. Pretty powerful! I was coachable and learned a valuable lesson. Don’t get caught up trying to be perfect. We all have a ton of value and experience that others need and want. We just need to get out of our own way and share it. It will change our lives and theirs.
Like most things, this is easier said than done. As a coach, I help others get free from the confinement we place ourselves in when we feel we need to be perfect. You don’t have to live with the pain of perfectionism. Call me and let’s discuss how I can help you.
BTW, before posting, the old hesitation crept up – what if my message isn’t perfect? On the other hand, what if this will help someone feel better, get out of their own way and move forward with something important..Here it is. You decide.
