How many times have you started a project and then never followed through? Maybe you’ve caught yourself making aspirational plans and stopping in the ideation phase?
The trap of perfectionism plagues many people. So fear not — you are not alone. Its origin dates back to an industrial-aged mindset in which everything must be done perfectly the first time. But, the reality is that nothing is ever done perfectly the first time — in fact, maybe nothing is done perfectly ever.
This notion reflects an illusion that, more than anything, precludes us from accomplishing goals. So, use these seven tips to accomplish more in 2014 by freeing yourself from perfection:
1. Understand Your “Big Why”
Your big why isn’t just external material wealth or success, but it’s the motivation that feeds your soul, your heart and your essence to see a project through to success.
How It Works: When you are focused on your big why, the need to reach your goal becomes more important than the need for it to be perfect.
Action: Grab a pen and paper, close your eyes for 30 seconds and record three “whys” that appeal to your passions. Post the list somewhere you see often and read it when the mind chatter starts.
2. Create A Pattern Of Success
Too often, perfectionism will set you up for failure. When the goal is too big, the timeline too short or you have limited resources, your task becomes unachievable. Likely, you will only be left disappointed with your lack of progress.
How It Works: A pattern of success builds confidence, creates everlasting glory moments and sets you up for future successes.
Action: Start small. Take a single goal and divide it into eight even smaller goals. Set a realistic time frame for accomplishing each of these smaller goals. Then, take action and complete each small goal, one at a time.
3. Face The Fear
Perfectionism is a form of fear. It will keep the possibility of achieving success just barely out of reach with small obstacles and fabulous distractions.
Not taking a dance class because you don’t have a partner is a great example of giving up too early due to fear.
Not taking a dance class because you don’t have a partner is a great example of giving up too early due to fear.
How It Works: When you acknowledge that you are letting an obstacle or distraction stop you from taking action, you can take back your power of choice.
Action: Write down your current obstacle or distraction and acknowledge the fear that lies beneath it. This simple act will empower you to overcome the blocking.
4. Dwell In Your Doubt
Maybe this tip seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes, by dwelling in resistance, you allow yourself to short-circuit your typical “fight or flight” response.
How It Works: Your mind and body may realize that there is no physical threat in a given goal, but eventually, you’ll suspend your gut-reaction hesitance to consider options more abstractly. This will reconnect you with your “big why.”
Action: The moment your body or mind begins to resist, pause for 30 seconds. Feel into it, don’t fight it. Then, reorient yourself by circling back to your big why.
5. The Power Of Judgment-Free Awareness
Perfectionism cannot exist while you exercise judgment-free awareness .
How It Works: Perfectionism traps you into inaction or disappointment because you are clouded by judgment.
Action: When you hear yourself casting judgment (internally or verbally), remind yourself to “cancel, clear, delete,” then, recalibrate with “the truth is…”
6. See Perfection Everywhere
There is perfection in every situation (even the seemingly imperfect ones).
How It Works: The perfectionist trap causes you to focus on what isn’t there and what you haven’t accomplished. Seeing the perfection in every situation lures you to focus on what does exist and why it is good.
Action: Amidst a project, introspect and consider the value in a particular task? Maybe you met someone new or learned a skill in the process. Many times, the true worth of a mission has more to do with the journey than the output.
7. Ask For Support
A popular misconception is that asking for help reflects a weakness.
In reality, asking for help requires a huge amount of courage.
In reality, asking for help requires a huge amount of courage.
How It Works: Asking for help shows bravery and involves other people, who may have fresh perspectives. Ultimately, not trying to be a hero by doing everything solo could improve your end result.
Action: Write down the names of three people you could ask to support your project and lend a hand (or some time). Send these people a text right now. Which action do you feel most inspired to take this week? Share below.
Molly Rider is a Human Design coach with Coach Ville who specializes in helping female entrepreneurs uncover their own true road map, increase confidence and achieve their goals whilst staying true to themselves. For more information on Molly Rider and how she can help you go to: http://www.coachville.com/molly-rider/
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