We all strive to be better in the things we do. However, if you try to be perfect, you often figure out that it holds you back. Let’s talk about the liberating mindset of progress over perfection!
There can be so much pressure to be perfect, even in the small things. The thought is that we must do things a certain way or with a certain frequency to be successful or stay on track. But that’s just not the case.
Beliefs about perfection
Perfection is placed upon us externally and perpetuated internally. It’s something that can even seem necessary for success. Hearing those messages forms a belief that perfection is needed, and then you act to uphold it. Let me offer an alternative…
Best is good; better is best.
Being at your best is good. Nothing wrong with that. It’s a commendable thing. However, seeking to be better is actually the best. Trying to continually improve is admirable and will take you to great places.
This idea of being better comes without the obsessive nature of being your best. You can work to improve on average without the pressure to be perfect all the time. Being intentional is a key component of living consciously.
Try to take the “better is best” mentality and use it to replace the beliefs about perfection you may currently have.
Comfort in perfection
While pursuing perfection may cause stress, there is a certain comfort in it. Being perfect makes you feel like you’re doing things right or as they should be. A deviation from that is, therefore, uncomfortable.
This is an interesting paradox. Trying to be perfect is generally accepted as not being helpful. However, it can be uncomfortable to move away from that. To me, that’s fascinating.
To challenge and overcome this weird fact of life, let’s use some math!
Progress + grace > perfection
Progress plus grace is greater than perfection.
Seeking to continually grow is wonderful. Doing so with an attitude of grace is even better. In the process of giving yourself grace, you ditch the need to be perfect and cut ties with the rigidity it brings.
You can use this equation in mostly everything you do. Some examples…
Finding happiness
Pursuing happiness may seem like an all-or-nothing venture where everything needs to be just right. Relax the pressures and allow yourself to find peace in the journey, even if everything is not exactly how you want it to be. Enjoy the things that are going well, and give grace to yourself where you may falter.
Building a better lifestyle
Whether your aim is to travel the world, be fulfilled, find a nice new home, or anything else, getting there is not an overnight process. You’re likely to have to work towards what you want and do so over time. Your success doesn’t have to hinge upon being there right now or doing things perfectly each time.
Maybe you move to a place and decide it’s actually not your permanent home. Nevertheless, you’re progressing. You’re moving toward what you want to do, perhaps literally. Even if you make mistakes or have changes of heart along the way, you’re moving forth. It doesn’t have to be perfect right now. But you can figure it out as you go.
Your work
When I write blog posts, for example, I tend to be too concerned about my writing. Am I being thorough but also concise? Will my readers understand? Is there a better topic I could have written about today?
The work you do is not going to be perfect, especially in the beginning. Down the road, I’ll probably look back and laugh at some of my early blog posts. But the point is that I gave myself grace, found humor, and pushed forth. With practice and persistence will come progress.
Learning
Maybe this is just a me thing, but it’s relevant. I read a lot and take notes on the things I learn. I’d try so hard to capture every bit of knowledge shared in the books and take notes so I’d remember.
I was trying to be perfect in what I learned, but it made the whole thing unpleasant. So, I confined myself to a 2-inch by 2-inch square in my journal that I can write my notes in each day. It forces me to pick out the major themes and carry on.
Truthfully, that’s enough. Learning is about progressing toward knowledge while accepting that perfection in terms of knowing everything just isn’t going to happen.
Progress over perfection
Life is a journey of advancing toward what we want. While we move toward ideals, expecting to capture and embody those ideals is a source of stress. A mindset of progress over perfection changes everything.
As mentioned here in an article by Jonathan Littauer, you can rewrite your stories and patterns to include the beliefs that enhance rather than sabotage.
Work hard, but give yourself some grace, even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s good for you!
Thank you so much for reading! Please share with others who may benefit! 🙂
