The need to be perfect

As we coach more and more women in our business, I am seeing more and more “perfectionism” holding them hostage.  The need to do things perfectly – and the subsequent desire to beat yourself up mentally when you don’t – is a business and life-limiting move. 

Perfectionism is an ILLUSION.  
And it can be downright debilitating. 

I should know.  I am a “recovered” High Compliant (in the DISC model).  It was literally and figuratively beaten into us (all 5 of my siblings) by my father – perfectionism and the need to do things right.  It’s taken me a lifetime to untie the knots and look at my foibles with compassion rather than condemnation. 

Because of this, I’m teaching my 2 year old nephew Kai to laugh at mistakes.  When he or I do something “imperfect”, we say “uh-oh spaghetti-o’s” which always makes him laugh. 

It’s Friday today.  Casual day for most of the working world.  Why not give yourself a break today and purposely allow or try to make a mistake (OH NO!) and then laugh about it like Kai?