Perfectionism’s Trap

I’ve noticed something lately, and I think it’s about time to take it head-on: the trap of perfectionism.  We get stuck in the middle of trying to do everything “right” while the gates of perfectionism slowly start closing in on us.  Then, there we are stuck in its confined space – a space that doesn’t let us see past those suffocating gates towards a life that just lets us live and be.  The result:  not living the life we really want to live while also falling into a cycle of being way too hard on ourselves.  I don’t know about you, but that’s not cool with me and I’m not willing to accept it.

You don’t need to be “perfect” to rock it.  You don’t need to have it all together and to have all the answers to stand confidently in who you are.  You as you are is enough.  Your experiences, your joys, your achievements, and your failures… those all make you who you are.  You were put on this Earth to be uniquely you and to shine in that light. Do that.  Let go of trying to fit yourself into a box called “perfect”; that box is only going to hold you back from living life more fully.

Let this sink in.  Let it permeate through your bones.  You don’t need to be perfect, and you shouldn’t want to be perfect.  Your imperfections, your quirkiness, your life experiences make you exactly who you are – someone unique and special who has something to offer to the world.  When we are able to open ourselves up to doing just that – offering who we really are to the world – a weight is lifted off of us.  We are really free to be who we are.

Yesterday is yesterday and today is today.  Choose to do something differently today.  Choose to say that you are ready to accept who you are and live more comfortably in your own skin today.  And when you slip-up, and notice yourself being self-critical, acknowledge it then let it go.  Remind yourself that perfection is not the end goal.  Living life authentically you is, and that includes falling down at times but knowing you can get right back up and keep going your way.