Thursday’s Thoughts on Perfectionism

While taking a break from working on my latest coaching program, Domestically Challenged Boot Camp (subtle shameless self promotion!), I read through the latest blog posts on my Google Reader. Crystal inspired me to post about perfectionism.

I’m a recovering perfectionist. Which is surprising because I also refer to my self as a former clutter-bug. You would think that being a perfectionist would have made me super organized and clean. NOT!

My perfectionism actually kept me from organizing and cleaning. I had the stinking thinking that if I can’t do it right (aka perfect) why bother. I wasted a lot of time because of my perfectionism. True story: I would re-write homework assignments in school because my handwriting wasn’t neat enough. Not perfect.

Thankfully, I have let go of my perfectionism. When it comes to keeping house at least. If I still worried about doing everything perfectly, I would not have the time to play, read or cuddle with my little dude. What’s the point then of being a stay-at-home-mom?

I have learned that good enough is just fine. As long as my home is relatively clean, we have clothes on our backs, good food to eat and clean sheets to sleep on, everything else can be good enough.

Once you let go of your perfectionism, you’re actually free! I’ve accomplished more with the attitude of ‘good enough’ than I ever did being a perfectionist. Rather than wasting time making every minute task perfect, I have time to focus on the things I love.

And guess what – I’m actually more comfortable in my home now too. Who feels comfortable kicking-back and relaxing when you’re worried about messing up the perfect room?

Right now there are some dishes in the sink to do, a load of laundry that needs to be completed, a floor that needs to be swept. I even have a closet that is just a dis-organized mess that I really should attack. But that will all have to wait – I have to build a train track and help Thomas and Percy ride it! Good enough will have to do for now.