I’ve shared this quote before and I’m sharing it again, because I can’t hear it, see it, or read it enough.
Perfectionism tells me not to bother. Don’t even try. If I can’t do it perfectly, then it’s a waste of time to start.
So I repeat this proverb to myself:
Only he who does nothing makes a mistake. — French proverb
Its advice is the exact opposite of my internal perfectionist’s.
It tells me to do something, anything! It doesn’t matter what. It doesn’t matter if it’s smudged or sloppy or not quite what I had in mind.
Better to make something that to sit in the vacuum making nothing.
Perfection is beyond me.
But there’s satisfaction to be had in making something I’ve imagined. Even if it’s a quote card with wobbly hand-written letters on it that doesn’t look exactly like I intended.
There isn’t any satisfaction to be found in holding back.
Forget perfection. Satisfaction is better.
Satisfaction can be achieved.
Thanks for sharing that French proverb, Kit. It’s one I really need to read and re-read. Perfectionism paralyses you and stop you from reaching your potential. I thought you’d be interested in reading about my first adult ballet class. I am 47 and have chronic health and mobility issues but my daughter dances and I’ve been watching and I realised how much I loved dance and then heard about this class and signed up. I had no expectations and that freed me up to just have a go. I was amazed at how well I went. I half expected to spend the class in a chair. Here’s a link to my post: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2016/08/12/dancing-to-the-stars/
xx Rowena
I’m glad you found it helpful. I’ve been interested in dance my whole life but never had the courage to do anything about it. And my health has not been the best, which doesn’t help. I look forward to reading your post.