#7 Evolutionary Excellence

One of my early series was on perfectionism. I talked a bunch about what it was and how to overcome it. Among all the good ideas was a proposed mindset that you could replace it with. I talked about how we should shift from trying to fit neat and clean inside a box with no wrinkles or rough edges, to trying to blow things out of the water like dynamite. I started carrying that idea with me everywhere I went because it’s true-knocking things out of the park is a far better way to see things than expecting them to be perfect in every way. 

And you know what? I have started to see a shift in my understanding of talent. I have noticed that even experts do things imperfectly sometimes. The professional musician sings a little flat, the photographer does a shot that’s a little out of focus. Mistakes are still made and edges are still a little rough. But an expert does things better and better each time. He consistently does things with better accuracy and higher quality than an amateur. A lucky break for a novice is a regular Tuesday for a skilled craftsman. 

And that pivots into the other big way to overcome perfectionism: focus on what you’re dedicating yourself to. It’s funny, I wound up repeating this idea when I talked about villains in my Batman series. We should develop a sense of confidence that comes not from exactly spot-on a particular thing is, but in our overall progress and our dedication to it. Sure, you’ll notice when you sing flat, but you should notice that you sing less flat, and less often, than you used to. And if you keep practicing and growing, you will probably sing even less flat and even less often if you keep going. 

And, I mean, who’s really going to notice anyway?

I have definitely noticed a big shift in myself since writing that series. I still get my bouts of perfectionistic tendencies, but I’d say I’m a lot better than I used to be. And, honestly, it was only when I took that first big step to intentionally be super goofy that things really started clicking for me. I went to the gym in bright red suspenders, worn on the outside of my navy-blue sweatpants and the old t-shirt sleeve that I cut into a headband. I looked dumb as nails, and it helped me start to get over myself.

Because at the end of the day, an imperfect moment is still a pretty great one. Sometimes we actually keep ourselves from being able to enjoy things more because we expect them to be a specific way. And I get it-it’s hard to change. But if you can dedicate a little effort to trying, I’d say it’s well worth it in the long run. But it will take some intentional focus for a while. Perfectionism is a mighty beast and it will take some time to lay him to rest. So be patient as you take him on and expect him to bite back.

So go back and read my series on perfectionism. Take some time to write your own game plan to break those prison chains that keep you from soaring through the skies. I pray that freedom finds you and that you can embrace it wholeheartedly. And who knows-you may even find a life that’s better than perfect along the way!

Until Next Time

May Peace be your Guide.