A post for all the perfectionists out there...

For all the perfectionists out there (and what to focus on instead)...

5/16/2020

I haven’t written a blog post for a while... I’ve wanted to, but have had a busy few weeks.

And this reminds me of a concept I came across recently with a client.

The background...

My client was talking about a new morning routine she’d started, and how she’d managed to do six days out of seven.

I was so pleased for her - this is a cause for celebration!

Firstly, because doing anything new that frequently is fantastic - it's hard to maintain a new habit.

But secondly, because it’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency.

Let's take this newsletter as an example...

It’s better for me to write blog posts consistently and get them as good as possibly I can, than wait six months to write the “perfect” post (if that even exists).

For your habits...

It might be better to do artwork consistently every week, rather than trying to do one piece “perfectly”, getting fed up with it, and likely never finishing it.
Working out and meditation are definitely about consistency vs. perfection! (Of course, doing a workout correctly is different from “perfection”.)
Eating healthy, as consistently as you can, is far more doable than striving to eat “perfectly” all the time.

What else can you think of?

What do you try to do perfectly, when consistently would be better - and easier?

The great thing about consistency is it means we can fall down... we can fall off the wagon! (It’s the getting back up that’s important.)

So do your habits. Work out... eat well... meditate... floss - whatever it is.

But focus on (and celebrate) consistency, not perfection.

Here's the thing...

Perfection sounds sexy. Consistency is its quietly-spoken cousin, hiding in the corner.

But consistency gets us to where we want to be.

Perfection makes us feel like crap!

So tell me... what are YOU working on consistently? Or what would you like to work on consistently?

I’d love to hear!

Hopefully I’ll be back on schedule soon with my blog posts.

(But if not, I forgive myself – we'll talk about that another day! :)

Wishing you all the best in these bizarre times,

Claire

❤

4 Comments

Priscilla Bettis link

5/16/2020 09:16:22 am

I do think consistency is key in many things, including writing. I don't think writing every day is critical (because it's too darn perfectionist!), but over a long period of time, writing every M/W/F, even though it's only 3 days per week, is being consistent.

I'm currently writing M-Th plus Saturday. With the warmer weather and more daylight, my schedule will change, but it will be consistent if not every day.

Claire @ the five percent link

5/27/2020 07:48:42 am

Hi Priscilla, sorry for my slow reply (we just bought a house, and things have been crazy!)

Ah yes, consistency can be SO important with writing - especially if it's a longer/bigger writing project. You're right that writing every day isn't always possible, but having that habit or routine is awesome. And 3 days a week is so much better than nothing, or writing sporadically!

I love your current writing plan/schedule - good for you! I hope it's going well, and a big well done for going after your dream(s)!

Megan d link

5/23/2020 06:00:59 am

This is inspiring! I have known I struggle with perfectionistic thinking, but it's good to remember all the possible scenarios it can creep up. I may notice it in an aspect of my career, but not notice it in how I approach my hobbies or relationships.
For me now, my garden is one example. If I forget to water when it's needed, usually the garden will recoup if I do it the next day, so consistency is what keeps it going, since I'll never do everything perfectly!

5/27/2020 07:56:06 am

Hi Megan, thanks for your comment! You're so right that perfectionism can creep into all areas of our life (we assume it's career-related, but it can affect much more than that).

And of course, there's nothing wrong with *striving* to do something perfectly - within the right context. (Such as a performer wanting to give an amazing performance.) It's when we beat ourselves up if *everything* isn't perfect, that it can become an issue.

I love your garden example! Yes, I think it's impossible to do everything perfectly, so focusing on consistency and "good enough" is the way forward. Enjoy your garden and seeing your consistent, imperfect results! :)

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For all the perfectionists out there (and what to focus on instead)...

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