The issue with Perfection

How many of us think about how things would be if we were only perfect? Of course we never are so we end up being disappointed. This month let's look at perfection and the problems we face because of that ideal.

I am not saying that we should just give up and not try. What I am saying is that when we use perfection as an excuse for not doing what we know we want to do we end up with nothing.

The idea of perfection is just that, an idea. We use that as a goal to strive for. However, if we are honest with ourselves that perfection is never there. When we don't achieve that ideal we are disappointed and after a while we give up. How sad that we stop trying for what we want because we cannot have the unavailable. Wouldn't if be far better to go for the best, the most excellent? That is attainable. Of course we have to get started to get there.

When we give presentations to others, whether in conversation or in front of an audience the idea is the same. You speak to your friends even if you know that you are not prepared. You don't worry that it will not be perfect. To speak at a job interview, in front of class or an audience is the same principle. What people listen to is what you are saying. If you believe in what you are trying to communicate then the audience will be with you.

Now I am not saying don't prepare for the interview or speech. What I am saying is relax and say what is important to you. The speech doesn't have to be delivered perfectly. Instead try for excellence.

When we strive for excellence we allow ourselves to be human. Admittedly admirable humans but human none the less. Stop using perfection as an excuse for not going for the job interview or giving the speech. Allow yourselves the human response of trying and going for what you want. If you fall short you at least have gone further than if you had not made the effort. It only takes a bit of extra time to prepare and go for excellence. If you go for perfection you will never get there. Ask yourself would you rather get there or spend your life wondering 'what if' because you were afraid of making the mistake. We all make mistakes, the key is to learn from them on our way to excellence not perfection.

Some ideas and questions to ponder.
1. What have you not tried because you were afraid of failing?
2. Make a decision to take one step toward that goal.
3. Allow yourself to learn from the movement toward that goal even if you fail.
4. Keep going!