Perfectionism... I can't stand it! Based on the fear of looking or being wrong, wanting to get things right. But can anything made with humans hands be perfect? It says in the Word of God that "God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good" (Genesis 1: 31 NIV). However, it doesn't say "perfect". I spend SO much energy being frustrated over trying to make things flawless, and they NEVER are. BUT... can I step back, look at what I put my hands to, and say, "It is good"? Good was good enough for God, so where does that leave me?
Backstory. I had all of this on my mind because I noticed a typo in my book. WHAT!!! A typo!!! ME??? Upon further review, there were MORE!!! OMG!!! The thought came to me, "Am I even a writer???" If I hadn't prayed about it and received confirmation prior to, I would've been ready to call it quits and hide under a rock...just like that! Makes absolutely no sense how upset I was.
Many people told me they were blessed by my book, but I let commas and question marks flood my brain. The question I had to ask myself was, "Is the book good?" I definitely can't say that it is perfect. Nothing I've done has ever been. I'm naturally flawed; therefore, my work is flawed. However, the book IS good! I have to be okay with that because perfectionism procrastinates progress and productivity. I know this to be too true in my life. While some of the times I've dealt with procrastination have been due to just plain laziness, most of them had to do with perfectionism. I'll start a project after I've thought about all of the aspects surrounding it. This causes me to miss important deadlines or throw something together at the last minute. Surely, this is NOT what God wants for me. I mean, where's the peace in operating this way? According to Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (NIV). If I would just take steps and allow the Lord to adjust them as I go, I would probably see more success. Perfectionism brings about too much hesitation. Yes, make plans, but also TAKE STEPS!
God's grace, His working in me, through me, and for me, SUPERSEDES any and every mistake, misstep, and flat out bad decision I have made or ever will make. I just have to keep working, keep stepping. To quote my own self, "Even if you see me fall, I'm still called, flaws and all".
Maybe I'm the only one who deals with this issue, but...maybe not. I've shared all this with you, so that you would reflect on your own life. The enemy wants to hinder us all. He doesn't want us to carry out those great plans God has for us. Doubt, fear, perfectionism... they are all a part of blocking our greatness. If you're bold enough, answer the following questions:
Have you ever dealt with perfectionism? If so, how do you feel it has hindered you?
What helps you move past perfectionism and get things done?
Awesome post!!
"perfectionism procrastinates progress and productivity"
This was so good. Thank you for sharing. I know i sometimes think im the only onw that so hard on myself for not doing things perfect and sometimes i have let it completely hinder me from what I'm supposed to be doing. I would get so wrapped up in the thought of it not being just right trying to do it in my own power instead of trusting God and letting him guide me on how to start and when to stop. Thank you for reminding me that its not about me its about what He wants its His plan to be carried out in His power for His purpose and if i ju…
I like when you said, "Yes, make plans, but also TAKE STEPS!" Sometimes, I can let perfectionism- stop me from producing or even trying. Even though excellence and hard work pays off, it is all about the little steps along a way.