When we have an amazing thought or idea that we want to make a reality or experience, we have to find a way to communicate these thoughts to other people. And then we need to start taking appropriate action. Many people do not get past this first stage of wanting to create, the thought process, the idea, because they have already decided that they will wait until everything is perfect, the plan is well laid out and their questions all have answers before they share their thoughts with anyone or begin taking action. These people are perfectionists and perfection is an unattainable ‘live-able’ goal (spoken by a recovering perfectionist).
I have heard people come up with all sorts of excuses as to why they haven’t taken any action on their goals, saying that they’ll start when they have more money, time, learn more, practice more, when the kids are older, etc. The challenge with this is there is no perfect time. The best time to get started is now, even yesterday. Yes, you may need to be selective at first with whom you talk to as there are negative people out there who may try to sabotage your ideas, won’t be supportive or attempt to shut down your progress. Yet, I have found the majority of failed attempts at success or goal chasing is primarily self sabotaged by fear and the need to have everything ‘perfect’ before taking action.
“It is in the trying and being that makes us human. It is the journey not the end that tells us who we are and what we are made of. Perfection is not a means, it leaves no room for variation, creativity and understanding of the process. It is through the trial and error that we gain knowledge and wisdom. We remember and learn more through our mistakes than by what we do perfectly. For if everything were perfect, done perfect, there would be no journey, no life, no adventure,…only an end.”
Think about the process of going for an interview. Imagine if someone said to you before an important job interview “Make sure you ace this interview perfectly, because in this city people know each other and if you blow it, you can kiss your career goodbye”.
WOW, no pressure there. Going into an interview with that on your mind is a good way to blow it. You will probably be terrified, causing the same thoughts and mistakes to come up that you are trying to prevent and avoid. This happens all the time, people’s ‘words of wisdom’ are actually creating terror for the recipient unintentionally by pulling on their perfectionist heartstrings. Although you wont get this often as most people are kind, generous and helpful. What you need is to surround yourself with encouragement and to be satisfied by just doing your best. The world does not end with a bad interview or a mistake.
Working towards your goals becomes easier for the perfectionist when you take a minute to look at the most successful people out there. When you listen to the stories behind those whom have already reached success they repeatedly tell their tales of failing their way to the top. They learned from every mistake and continued on regardless. There are millionaires that lost everything, brushed themselves off and then created more millions. They talked to people, made connections and took action. They wouldn’t be where they are if they’d given up at the first moment of fear or panic had the world not been perfect in that moment.
We are not born with the knowledge and wisdom required to conquer all things. We are human beings that learn by what we do, we all start out as beginners, every time we try something new. Believing that you will start something and not have to learn from the beginning is going to give you a rude awakening. We discover through interactions. We learn when we communicate our thoughts and ideas. There will always be negative Nancy’s out there. Find your people, the ones who are looking forward to hearing from you and wish to encourage and challenge you for your personal success. You will always learn more and achieve so much more by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people.
Perfection is an un-live-able and unattainable goal. If you wait for perfect whatever you are waiting to express will never make it out of your minds eye. Take imperfect action. Take small steps. Aim for what you want in whatever form it manifests for your highest good. Surrender your control over every small aspect. Seek advise but don’t hang on every word. Try, experiment, try again, change tactics, try again. There is always a way to get what you want you have to just be willing to hang up the perfectionists jumpsuit.
Happy wandering x
Book a Barrier Breakthrough Energy Clearing Session with me to overcome blocks and limiting beliefs on your journey – perfect for those closet perfectionists
