Have you said to yourself or someone else, “I need to get this perfect before _“? It might have been a test, a project, a painting, dinner. Maybe a presentation or speech. What happens? You put an expectation onto yourself that nothing less than something with zero error will do. There becomes a confusion between doing your best and doing something that goes beyond excellence. the idea of going beyond is because you feel someone, whoever that becomes, will be disappointed with your best. It holds you back from your creativity. It holds you back from collaborating with others. Observe what you are expecting from yourself especially when someone is waiting for something from you. Take a step to address your need for self-protection. You will fail. It’s ok. Learn and improve.
“Seeking perfect is playing defense to please others.” ~ Joe Dutkiewicz
