Progress over perfection.
It's February. Still really early in the year. I wanted to send a brief message this week for all of us...
Have you embarked on learning a new skill, or perhaps attempting to change something you typically do? This is often how a new year begins. It's exciting to have fresh energy at the beginning of the year and we can set off with great intentions. Then it gets difficult. We just want to jump to the end...you know...the part where you have it all figured out? Tick that box. Move forward.
There can be discomfort in making the inevitable mistakes that come along with wanting to do something new or different. It's called learning.
We don't do a great job of normalizing the fact that when we are learning or trying something NEW it will be uncomfortable. Why? Because our brains like homeostasis. They do not want to do something different, even if it is for very good reasons.
So what do you do? Recognize that the discomfort is real. Doing something new is going to take up a lot of bandwidth initially. That doesn't mean that you give up! Remember the first time you tied your shoes, or any other skill you do now without giving it a second thought? Probably not. This is because it became automatic over time and now you just do it.
So what can you do?
Practice. Fail. Learn. Repeat.
Perfection...deep down we all know there's no such thing. Aiming for perfection can lead to throwing in the towel before you even get going.
Progression is the willingness to keep trying. Persisting and forgiving yourself when the inevitable "fails" occur. Knowing that failure is part of the process and being willing to brush yourself off and keep going. That's what it's all about.
Let's get to it...
Are you willing to try this out?
Your challenge for the next week...
Before you throw in the towel, take a minute to check in with yourself. Do you really want to throw in the towel, or do you need to be a bit more gentle with yourself? Let the answer bubble up.
Progress over perfection. Practice. Fail. Learn. Repeat.
You've got this.
Is perfection stopping you from progressing? Contact me One thing that's become increasingly clear to me? Going it alone is not ideal.
Stay safe and well.
Cheers,
Ann
Are you ready to throw in the towel?