Aiming to do your best is one thing, but becoming consumed by chasing perfection is another.
When you insist on impossibly perfect standards from yourself, you often prevent the implementation of good (or even great) improvements.
Think about it… When you’re paralyzed by not being “perfect enough,” it may keep you from posting the video that gets you booked, or going to the class that helps you learn a key skill. Perfectionism might fan the flames of self-defeating thoughts that ultimately cause you to get in your head at an audition.
Oftentimes we delay taking action because we are subconsciously trying to delay the potential for failure. The irony is - when you don’t take action at all, failure is virtually guaranteed. Imperfect action, is far better than perfect inaction, am I right?
5 Signs Perfectionism Is Getting In Your Way:
You never feel satisfied with your work.
You constantly compare yourself to others.
You procrastinate - even on the things you know would increase your chances of success.
You avoid sharing yourself/your work with others.
Your perfectionism is causing you anxiety or depression.
5 Recommendations to Move Past Perfectionism:
When something doesn’t go as well as you wanted it to, collect the “data.” Journal about what you learned, what you did well, and how the experience brought you one step closer to where you want to be.
Call a friend/family member that is honest, but encouraging… Someone who makes you feel more energized about your goals than defeated. Someone who will tell you to POST THE VIDEO!
Read Brené Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection
Get real and make a list of the things you’re putting off because you don’t feel ready or are scared of failing. Do one of those things each week. The more you flex this muscle, the braver you become.
Remind yourself that with every next threshold of greatness you cross, there will be periods of mistakes and errors. As we demand more from ourselves, we must allow ourselves the time to shed what we no longer need, and grow what is now required of us.
Confucius once said, "Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without."
Let yourself welcome the pressure that will turn you into such a diamond, rather than remaining a pebble because you can’t let go of perfection.
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Thanks for reading and #thankyoufordancing :)