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Wooden boats like the one in the painting above, Awaiting the Tide, are truly  works of art. They combine science and engineering with exceptional craftsmanship. They are… in a word … Perfect. 

While it’s natural to expect perfection in a vessel that is tasked with keeping us safe and dry in open waters, we often extend that desire for perfection into every aspect of our lives and more importantly on ourselves. 

Letting go of perfectionism is probably one of the hardest things I struggle with.

The phrase “let it go, it’s good enough” is on repeat inside my head like a pop song that I just can’t shake.

Most of the time I listen to it and refuse to pick up the solitary crumb lying on the floor, taunting me from across the kitchen, and other times, I completely succumb to the demon of perfectionism. He’s an old friend who’s always welcoming me back with open arms, asking where I’ve been for so long. 

I can’t think of anyone who hasn’t at one time or another dealt with perfectionism, especially as it relates to the work that we put out into the world. 

I may have trained myself to ignore a crumb on the floor but get me in front of a painting and I’ll fuss over it for days trying to get it perfect because in some twisted way my brain thinks the success of this painting mirrors my success as a person. Of course this is absolutely ridiculous but try telling that to my demon friend.

There’s no doubt that we all want to do our best and never compromise on quality but that’s not the same as perfectionism. 

When you’re striving to do your best or improve your skills, you’re turning inward and asking yourself “How can I improve” with the premise being that you’re doing this for yourself. 

Perfectionism on the other hand is asking “What will others think of this” or “What will others think of me” It is driven by a need for approval from the outside world.  

It took me a long time to understand this and it will probably take a lifetime of practice to fully implement it in all areas of my life.

Until then, I have to keep reminding myself …

“What you do will not be perfect, nor should it be. Be easy on yourself and

realize that everything is a testament to your skill and knowledge at this

point in time. It may not be perfect but that’s not because you’re not

good enough or because you don’t care … its not perfect because none

of us are perfect and nothing we do or make can ever be perfect and

that’s the beauty of being human”

And if I’m pressed for time …

“let it go, it’s good enough” 

…usually does the trick!     

What area of your life brings out the perfectionist in you? And more importantly, what do you say or do to let it go? Leave a comment below or send me an email. I’d love to know what you think about perfectionism.

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