Good Enough

Hello friends a few days ago while I was cleaning the inside rim of the washing machine. I had an epiphany, an honest to goodness “aha moment!” It was right then when I decided, this is clean enough! It’s a washing machine! I rinsed it off and ran it through a vinegar rinse cycle and I said, out loud, “good enough!”

Do you know that moment? It’s something I’m working on now. Saying “good enough” is my new goal. (smile) I realize I can’t say “good enough” for everything. But for me, it’s about finding that sweet spot between perfect and getting things done. I’m focusing on completing tasks without needing them to be perfect.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been ill for so long or not. But it’s becoming apparent that wanting things to be perfect is actually causing me to procrastinate! It was literally causing me to stress out. I think my need for perfectionism is a catalyst for anxiety, self-criticism, and that great BIG fear of failure.

Prayer and meditation help. But I knew I needed to make some changes. So… I had to sit myself down (smile) and review the, “it needs to be perfect” standards, I’ve carried with me my whole life. I’m going to be 65 November 1st. My multi-tasking skills are gone now. I’m working on making some changes. I’m leaning into “good enough” for the time I still have here.

I’ve spent nearly my entire life (it started in kindergarten) being a perfectionist and a people pleaser. Looking back, I know my father instilled in me the belief that there is no other way than “perfect”. Because if it wasn’t perfect there would be consequences.

Giving myself permission to banish perfectionism is tough. There are times when the urge creeps back in. But I’m learning to recognize it, and embrace the liberating power of “good enough”.

Can you relate to my struggle with perfectionism?