Perfection Exits the Building

10Aug07

A lot of what I write about is how to streamline your life so it’s easier, minimized & more organized (like, you actually know where stuff is … whoa!), but it’s important that I also make the point that perfection is just as bad as chronic disorganization and excessive materialism.  I have fallen victim to it so many times when doing a purging or organizing project … I’ll start something, and then I won’t quit for HOURS, knowing I need a food & water break or just a mental rest.  That determination is an aspect of perfectionism, and the “need” to get it all done now.  Perfectionism often leads to burnout because you ask yourself, “How could I possibly do that again anytime in the near future — it was exhausting!”  And then you let the project, half-finished, fall to the wayside for days, weeks, months, or you just leave it unfinished.  Where does perfection get you in cases like this?  You got it — nowhere.

So you see … the point of simplifying your life and letting go of materialism little by little is very key to getting to where you want to be (without wanting to jump off the Bay Bridge at night when no one’s looking).  If you tell yourself you’re going to do a huge project all in one weekend, it sets you up for failure.  And you don’t deserve that!  Set yourself up for success every single time by making small promises.  And write those promises down on your calendar or on a list or journal you have designated specifically for your personal journey toward a simpler life.  Everyone has his or her own style on how to keep track of “life” — use what works best for you because that is the only way you’ll make it a life-habit.  Mmmm … how zen-ful does that sound!

Isn’t this exciting!?

So, if you will join me in this fight against perfection, against this compulsion to do everything right now and perfectly, that would just thrill me to pieces!  Tell me your stories about your battles with perfectionism (whether it has to do with simplifying & organizing or not), and if and how you learned to “let go”, even if it’s just a little.  Go ahead and clear off a shelf without dusting (until tomorrow) … if you don’t reach all the corners of your kitchen floor while mopping, SO WHAT!  Baby steps … you’ll get to it at a later date (seriously!)  It’s on your calendar, remember?

PERFECTION HAS EXITED THE BUILDING!  Who needs it?  Not us.  We can get rid of the shtuff-monsters without it!

(Aren’t those Shtuff-Monsters ugly?)

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