I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business. - Michael J. Fox
I used to think I wasn't a perfectionist because I wasn't perfect.
I've since learned that there are two types of perfectionists - those who strive for flawlessness and take pride in their work without a hit to their self-esteem, and those who set unobtainable goals accompanied by hyper-critical evaluations of performance and obsessive concern with others' assessments.
For the most part, I fall into the second category. I use perfectionism as just one more tool with which to punish myself.
Well...not as much any more. Today I (will) accept my efforts as good enough.
And like pearls on a string, I add one day of good enough to the next and eventually I have a beautiful strand of unique and beautiful days.
Today I think I'll take a little break from putting my head down and pushing against the wind. I'll lift my face into the breeze and take a little inventory with a loving dose of reality. I'm doing this life thing, and I'm doing it well.
You? Where are you on the perfectionism spectrum? How do you give yourself a break?
