Done is better than perfect

Perfectionism is a personality type. One that often leaves you feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Perfectionism robs you of the opportunity to explore, fail, and recover in the same way that everyone else does. The most toxic aspect of perfectionism is that many aspire to be a perfectionist, while true perfectionists are looking for the nearest exit. We've somehow managed to make being perfect in every aspect of our lives the goal and it's exhausting to actively rail against that notion. Humans were never intended to be perfect and it's not lowering the bar to expect less than perfection from one another. I'm an advocate for progress over perfection, because I'd much rather move closer to the goal than to be in a constant state of refining one portion of the picture. I will avoid getting into the fact that perfectionism is too closely aligned with procrastination for comfort. Are you really trying to deliver a perfect product or are you having a difficult time delivering the product?

Give it your all and you get to decide what that means based on your current circumstances. Sometimes 100% is not a possibility when you're balancing the wellness of a family member and your day to day responsibilities. Do your very best and know that it is enough. Create and leverage systems of accountability to help keep you on track. Set milestones and as you achieve them, be sure to acknowledge how much progress you've made. Leverage the momentum of the new year to change your outlook. Respect the commitments you have made to yourself by continuously making progress towards your goals. When you complete a project at work, for example, assess the big picture and count it as a win that you were able to finish it. Don't waste precious time and energy rehashing the minute details, looking for areas where you could have done better. Instead apply that energy to your next endeavor by leveraging what you've learned.

Opt out when the charade of perfectionism no longer serves you. Many times the messages we receive about perfection are actually coming from the environments we exist in. If your work environment is narrowly focused on perfection and that is causing you angst, consider what changes are necessary for your own protection. It's quite possible that perfectionism is a theme in your family, decide when it makes sense to remove yourself from the influence of that behavior. I personally don't spend time with family members that are only concerned with my physical appearance. I figure it's better to remove myself than retort with something equally hurtful. Curate an environment that supports and uplifts you.

Give yourself and others grace, we all need it. It's been a tough couple of years overall. The fact that you are still here and have the energy to keep going is a win. Grace quite literally means that you have already done enough to demonstrate your value, don't just dismiss that as a minimal entry point. It isn't. Continue to strive to be the best version of yourself, but know that each accomplishment is a step that puts you closer to the next. Keep going and remember that progress will take you much further than perfection.

*Written in the big chair in the early hours before dawn.