Overcoming Perfectionism with Gratitude

Perfectionism is a killer— a dream killer, joy killer, time killer, creativity killer, and ultimately, a life killer. The pursuit of perfection can stifle your progress and paralyze you into inaction. I'm not advocating for starting numerous projects and then half-assing everything, but if you wait for the perfect moment to start living, you never will.

Consider the aspiring author who never publishes their book because they need to edit it one last time. Or the friend who wants to text their crush but can never find exactly the right words, only to see them start dating someone else. Maybe you have a dream business idea but feel it's never the right time to launch, and then see someone else succeed with a similar concept. This phenomenon is known as perfection paralysis, and it can stop you before you even get started.

When that insidious need for perfection arises, remember these five words: "DONE is BETTER Than NONE." This simple yet powerful mantra can help you break free from the perfectionism trap.

When I feel perfectionism's grip tightening around me, I take a deep breath, repeat "DONE is BETTER Than NONE," and I hit the play button. For instance, if you ever notice a typo or a misspelled word in one of my emails, know that I went over it several times before hitting send. However, at some point, I had to stop revising and just go for it.

I invite you to do the same. Hit the play button on your life and begin living, even if it gets a little messy. Take the class, start the project, plan the vacation, and ask the person out. Perfectionism can make you wait forever, but life doesn’t wait.

There will always be a 2.0 version, a better version. And that’s okay. For now, just "go out and get ‘er done!" Remember, "Done is better than none!"

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to perfectionism. By focusing on what you have and what you've accomplished, rather than what’s missing or imperfect, you can cultivate a mindset that embraces progress over perfection. Grab one of our GRATITUDE bags and start looking for your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. to combat perfectionism.

To find your GRATITUDE W.I.N.S. jot down the answer to these questions on one of your “I AM GRATEFUL” cards.

W - Who or what made a difference for me?
 I  -  What did I do for myself or others?
N - How did I nourish my mind, body, and/or spirit?
S - What made me smile or laugh until my sides hurt?

Instead of waiting for a major milestone to feel accomplished, celebrate small wins along the way. Did you finally start that project you've been putting off? Celebrate it! Each step forward is a victory.

Perfectionists are often their own harshest critics. Practicing self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. When you fall short of your expectations, open your GRATITUDE bag and read what you wrote on your “I AM GRATEFUL” cards.

Instead of viewing failures as evidence of your inadequacy, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Each setback is a stepping stone toward improvement and success. Ask yourself, “What am I supposed to learn?” or “How can I grow from this experience?”

Perfectionism often focuses on an ideal future. GRATITUDE brings you back to the present moment, helping you appreciate what you have right now. This shift in perspective can reduce anxiety and promote a more balanced approach to life’s challenges.

Perfectionism can rob you of joy, creativity, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. By embracing a mindset of gratitude, you can counteract the paralyzing effects of perfectionism and start living more fully. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making progress and enjoying the journey.

So, next time you feel the weight of perfectionism holding you back, take a deep breath, repeat "DONE is BETTER Than NONE," and take that leap. Your imperfect actions are far better than perfect inaction. Embrace the messiness, celebrate your progress, and live a life filled with gratitude and fulfillment.