Quit chasing ‘Perfect’!

I am a perfectionist - a hard core perfectionist. I’m convinced it’s part of my DNA. I ALWAYS want everything to be PERFECT, and I’m not only talking about my work or my presentations… I mean EVERYTHING!

For example, remember when bread makers were really popular? They are designed to be pretty fool proof. It’s literally a machine where you throw the ingredients into it, turn it on, and a few hours later you have fresh bread. Yum! Well we bought one, and I waited more than 2 years to try it because I feared not making the perfect loaf of bread on the first try…

Seriously. 🙄

I want my eggs for breakfast perfectly cooked. I look for the perfect time of day to take my dog for a walk. Packing for trips can be a nightmare because I want to bring the perfect outfits - nothing more and nothing less - packed perfectly in my suitcase (the perfect size for my trip, of course)! 

And don’t even get me started on work perfectionism. I am legendary amongst former employees and colleagues for my red pen!

However, all this planning and preparing to try and achieve perfection is EXHAUSTING. 

It’s also completely UNREALISTIC, because perfect does not exist. 

When we are driven by perfectionism, we will always be DISAPPOINTED.

I’m slowly learning to let go of my perfectionist instincts and instead, take in the world as it is - messy, unpredictable, and alive! Instead of focusing on what could be better, I make a point of looking for what I can appreciate. 

In doing this I’ve discovered so much more beauty everywhere. I also feel less stressed,  more confident, and able to be present. I feel like the real me is showing up and enjoying my life more (even if she’s not wearing the perfect outfit)!

How about you? Are you a perfectionist (or recovering one)? How do you fight the tendency to obsess over every little detail and instead, free yourself to live imperfectly well? Please share your tips and experiences!

---