If you can’t do something right then you shouldn’t do it at all. Right?
Wrong.I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately…lots of self-discovery…lots of learning what makes me tick, and here’s what I’ve realized: I’m an all or nothing type of person. I’m hot or cold…no in-between. If I’m going to do something, I’ve got to do it all-out. I obsess over perfection and stress out over failure.
Recently, I’ve seen this trait in my 7 year-old son…it’s heart-breaking to see him beat himself up. I’m trying to coach him and help him see that he doesn’t have to be perfect. Helping him has really made me aware of how prevalent perfectionism is in my own life. As I look back over the years, I see a path of tornado-like devastation inside of my heart from where I’ve beat myself up over not being good enough.
After a long journey inward, here’s what I’ve discovered: Failure is not an option…it’s a natural part of life. Failure is a great teacher. Failure makes us stronger. Failure helps us depend less on ourselves and more on God. Failure is healthy.
Am I suggesting that we all start doing things half-way? No. Am I suggesting that we stop giving our best? No. But what I am saying is that we’ve got to give ourselves a break. We can only do so much. We’re not perfect-we’re human.
So, cut yourself some slack. Relax. I guarantee your blood pressure and those closest to you will thank you.
[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]