The Irony of Perfectionism
You have a goal and you want to achieve it, but you find yourself stuck. WHY? It’s likely you’ve become good pals with Perfectionism (Perf). Perf’s unsolicited advice keeps you at the halt line of your life while you shame yourself for your hesitation.
Why Perfectionism Keeps You Stuck
Perfectionism will prevent you from trying to take one step forward towards your goal because “it’s just not right”. This one step is the key to your next step and therefore the key to your crawl, Walk, RUN progress.
I once heard that NBA player Steph Curry practices 3 point shots for 3 hours a day. This man is one of the top 3-point shooters in the league. He didn’t get there by talent alone, nor the privilege of an NBA father, or his good looks and charm. He got there but missing more 3-point shots than he hit. He got there by learning how to NOT throw a 3 point hoop. He got there by consistency.
Lessons in Consistency: From Steph Curry to Bachata
My journey with Bachata dance has some similarities. I attended my first bachata class exactly 1 year ago and was so frustrated. Perf was watching me the whole time, laughing at how I didn’t know the moves. I HATED that feeling of being a bad dancer…I wanted to be the best… I wanted people to admire me for my smooth hips and cool body waves.
What I didn’t know was that frustration was a life-changing moment. Despite my pride and ego, I continued to attend beginner classes and learn the basics. Eventually, I got the basics and levelled up to intermediate. I battled Perf’s persuasion to give up and refused to believe their taunts of “I’ll never be as good as the other beautiful dancers’. Let’s just admit it – Perf sucks. A straight up LIAR.
A year later, I found myself weeks away from my first competition as a bachata soloist. I can hardly believe it! I’m living some of my wildest dance dreams I never thought possible. Like NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE.
Patience Over Perfection
How did I do this? Consistency.
How will you achieve your goals? Consistency.
It’s about time you kicked Perf to the curb anyway.
Patience over perfectionism my friends.
I’ll see you on the court…err..dance floor…err wherever your consistency takes you ;).
As I share my honest and raw thoughts, remember that being honest and vulnerable about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences is your superpower leading you from crisis to courage in your own life.”
I was you. I am you.
We are not alone.
These are my honest and raw thoughts.
With truth & love,
Katie
