Letting Go of Perfection: A Recipe for Happiness
Ever find yourself striving for perfection to the point where you are waiting for things to be dam near "perfect" before you take action? If so, you are not alone. This piece will explore ways to release striving for perfection.
The Cost of Chasing the Unattainable
The notion that everything has to be perfect before taking action is a complete farce, as there is no right or wrong way to do anything. We all are familiar with the adage that nobody’s perfect. However, It all goes out the window when we strive for perfection. No matter how much you may know better, underlying conditioning keeps you in a perpetual loop of waiting for the perfect time, place, relationship, and everything imaginable before taking action.
From an early age, we are conditioned to believe there is a right and a wrong way to do everything. More importantly, there is a “perfect” way to do things right the first time, and anything less is unacceptable. These unconscious beliefs extend into our adult lives, leaving us in a perpetual state of striving for an idealized state that only resides in our imagination.
In all our striving, we pursue perfection at the expense of our health and well-being, holding us back from realizing our intentions. Whether you're a self-proclaimed perfectionist or one who persistently strives to do everything the “right” way the first time, striving for perfection is futile, as it only leads to suffering. It is said that insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different result. However, breaking the cycle of striving calls you to change how you view perfection.
From Striving to Thriving
In all that we set out to do, the overall intent is to do it in a way that aligns with our highest and best good. Beyond the outward appearance that there is one singular way to take action, there are infinite ways to achieve favorable results. Far too often, we tend to get more caught up in our individualized ideals of what and how things should be and less accepting of things how they are in the present moment, subjecting us to undue suffering.
It is widely unknown that no two people are the same. However, when it comes to perfection, we tend to take what works for a few, applying it as a standard for the masses, making it dam near impossible for anyone even to come close to achieving this idealized concept of perfection. This raises a fundamental question. What is perfection? We have primarily been conditioned to believe that perfection is a state of imperfection that can only be achieved through striving to become, achieve, and arrive anywhere you are presently not.
Beyond what the world would have you believe, perfection is not a standard to be achieved; it is a truth to be acknowledged and accepted. We each are unique, individualized expressions of the Divine in human form. Of which, there has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone quite like you, as we each are beings of perfection.
When you entered this incarnation, you were each instilled with everything you could ever want, need, or desire. You already are everything you could ever strive to possess; you need to release the illusion of perfection and acknowledge, accept, and reclaim your inner power that you are sufficient.
Reclaiming Your Power
Anytime an illusion of lack, limitation, or unworthiness is healed (released), you align with your real self. As a gentle reminder, perfection is your natural state, not the absence of flaws. The next time you find yourself reverting to old habits, waiting for the "perfect" time to take action, remember you already are everything you aspire to be.
So take a few deep cleansing breaths, feel your power, and take the first step. Although we may not always see the path forward, if you remain steadfast in your intention and take the first step, you will be guided and supported along your journey.
Mindfulness Practice
Gently pause, breathe, disconnect from all active thinking, and notice what passes through your awareness. Release any judgment or self-critique, allow yourself to feel fear or apprehension, and do it anyway.
If you observe thoughts not aligned with your highest and best good, accept their presence without attempting to force or change it. Affirm "everything is working together for my good," feel and believe that although you may not have the foresight to know how it will happen, lean into the Divine trust that everything is working together for your highest and best good.
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