Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Perfection is God's business

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?