Seeds
"Perfectionism isn't a pursuit of excellence but an endless cycle of self-defeat."
- Anonymous
I was privileged to work under an exceptional leader who consistently emphasised the philosophy: 'Good enough' is often more efficient than 'perfect.' This was not an endorsement of mediocrity; instead a liberating reminder of realism and his method of instilling a new-thinking in his leadership team.
Brené Brown eloquently stated, "Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. It's a shield. It's a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it's the thing that's really preventing us from the flight."
In our quest for perfection, we are often ensnared in the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal of flawlessness. It's a tiring expedition, fraught with pressures and an ever-looming dread of failure, enough to induce vertigo in the most determined of us.
However, there lies a more fulfilling path ahead; the path to Mastery! Mastery isn't about attaining perfection, but about striving for excellence and continuously refining our abilities. It's the perfect confluence where personal growth meets self-assurance.
But the journey doesn't end with Mastery. Beyond this realm, unfolds a universe pulsating with infinite potential – an exciting realm of Mystery. This realm is akin to unlocking a treasure chest filled to the brim with boundless possibilities, a universe where creativity, innovation, and enchantment converge.
The mystery of this realm lies in its invitation to let go of the familiar, to step into the unexplored territories of your potential, to delve into the unknown and revel in its fascinating unpredictability.
Here's the indispensable ingredient to this journey: it isn't a straight, smooth path. Rather, it resembles a rollercoaster ride, characterized by exhilarating highs and lows, thrilling twists and turns. It's a journey of absorbing lessons from your setbacks just as much as your triumphs. It's about embracing resilience, adaptability, and the growth mindset that fuels your forward momentum.
To sum up, perfectionism is a dead end, a road leading nowhere. Mastery is the open highway, stretching out towards growth and excellence. But beyond that road lies the realm of mystery, the uncharted territories of infinite potential and creativity that await our discovery.
Inspired by:
Joris Nuijten
Eva Bonnevier
Geoffrey Friedrich
