Perfectionism

When you think about things that hold you back you may automatically think of external things like lack of time, money, or resources. However, your frame of mind, perspective, and the things you tell yourself can also be a huge stumbling block. Does the voice in your head sound like a kind and encouraging friend, a sheepish critic, or a flat out bully? 

The things stories you tell yourself, and the ways you talk to yourself can have a significant impact on your approach to your work and your career. Most artists pride themselves in producing something high quality. This can extend from the art itself, to the website, social posts, packaging, and more. Striving for high quality is great. But be aware of the line where doing your best and producing something of quality changes into perfectionism and defeatism. Your high quality today may not be your high quality in a year, and that is okay. Find ways to do your best with what you have, and make progress as you go. Be aware of where perfectionism is holding you back or preventing you from making progress at all. 

Sometimes perfectionism can be felt as fear. Fear that you aren't good enough, fear of what others will think, fear of judgement. Brené Brown says, "Perfectionism is not the same thing has striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight."

As we delve deeper into this month's theme of perfectionism, take a moment to consider:
*Am I striving for my best or for perfect?
*Am I diminishing where I am now in my journey because I'm not perfect?
*Am I using perfection as an excuse to hold back out of fear of judgement?
*Am I living into fear instead of moving forward with gentle compassion, kindness, and curiosity toward myself?