Sure, there are some benefits to being a perfectionist. You always want to do your best, you always want the best, you want to feel proud and satisfied with yourself and your life. Here's where we completely go off track though...we typically never feel that things are perfect enough! This is one definition of the word perfect:
Entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings.
How could you ever live up to that standard? Nothing, nothing at all on this Earth is perfect. Nature isn't perfect, yet look at how beautiful trees and flowers are. Rivers and streams aren't perfect either. They bend and sometimes meander here and there, but they keep flowing. They don't fight against the current, they just go with it. Shouldn't life be more like that?
As long as you do your best it should be good enough. As a perfectionist though you never feel you've done good enough. Too much is never enough. When you're in this frame of mind you'll continually feel empty, critical, and dissatisfied.
I heard a line in a movie many years ago that said, "Sometimes things aren't perfect, but they're good enough." My goal is to be content, even downright happy, with good enough. I'm tossing perfection out the window as of today. Sure, I'll always do my best and try my hardest, it's just the way I am. My greatest competition is myself. However, I'm setting some limits. The next time I write a book, which will be next month, I will only allow myself three rounds of edits. That's it. No more. How much better would one of my books be if I changed "happy" to "glad"?
Try to get comfortable with good enough and leave perfection behind. You'll feel happier, freer, and less stressed out.
Are you a perfectionist? If so, in which ways and are you willing to let go of it? Leave a comment and share with others. :)
