“Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for excellence. Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth, it’s a shield.” ~ Brené Brown

OK, Brené, what exactly does this mean? Brown goes on to say that perfectionism is a way of thinking that says, “If I look perfect, live perfect, work perfect, I can avoid or minimize criticism, blame, and ridicule…All perfectionism is, is a 20-ton shield we carry around hoping that it will keep us from being hurt.” WOW!

If you’ve never tried to separate perfectionism and excellence, perhaps today is a good day to start. Or what if we simply accepted the fact that we are imperfect? I hope you were sitting down for that one! Yes, imperfect, but also perfectly imperfect—every one of us—even the perfectionists and excellence seekers!

Knowing that we are imperfect doesn’t mean we stop seeking excellence, it means that we have at least a little bit of grace and a lot of humor when we miss the mark. Seeking perfection has to be exhausting, especially with the weight of the shield. Giving ourselves permission (we are going to talk more about permission next week) to be an imperfect human is absolutely liberating because it makes the shield just a little bit lighter. I am imperfect, and so are you. Let’s embrace it together.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth Fitzgerald