Helen McKillen

helenmckillen progress not perfection

PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION

I know I could have achieved and done a lot more in my life if I hadn’t been so caught up in things having to be perfect.   It was such a debilitating mindset to have . It prevented me from relaxing and enjoying life. Instead I was constantly thinking that I wasn’t good enough.   Thankfully as part of my recovery, I was introduced to the simple slogan – “Progress not Perfection” .This simple mantra helped me  create the changes that made a huge difference to how I felt in life. Here are my 5 top tips: –

START FROM WHERE YOU ARE

You don’t have to wait until you or your situation is different before you create changes. Neither do you have to wait until you are feeling better, stronger, more confident, or more capable. All those things can happen as a result of starting from where you are now. Starting is the key to creating the momentum you need.

MAKE TINY STEPS OF EFFORT

There are times when we just don’t feel like doing anything.  However, if you are stuck because the thought of doing anything overwhelms you, then just make a tiny bit of effort each day. This again can help to start the momentum. Decide to do one small thing daily, that you don’t particularly want to do, and do it. We don’t have to feel motivated to move. Just take the body and the mind will follow.

LET GO OF THE NEED..

to do or say things perfectly for fear of being criticised. Life is not a command performance, but a continuation of experiences from which we learn about ourselves. Just do the best that you can. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Know that you are moving forward and facing the things that you fear – rather than doing nothing.

KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

Don’t complicate your life by thinking you always have to have answers to everything.  Sometimes you won’t know what to do or say in a certain situation. Just do the simplest thing. This might be stopping what you are doing to calm yourself by take a moment to focus on your breath.

 TAKE THINGS ONE DAY AT A TIME

I know it is a cliché that you have heard hundreds of times but there is no better way to live. This of course doesn’t mean that you can’t plan –  it just reminds you to not to overthink and try and guess the outcome. The only time we have power over is the present moment.  We can choose whether we are going to react in anger or frustration, or respond from a place of calm and clarity. It’s always your choice.

I have found that keeping to the forefront of my mind how I want to be in life has helped me to stay focused.  I no longer aim for perfection, success or recognition. My intention is to have peace of mind and contentment  – and I take whatever steps I need each day to take me in that direction..

You may also enjoy this blog:

 

Share this post with others…

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *