Thursday, August 25

Perfectionism, Procrastination, Paralysis ........ 8/25/16

      When it comes to any effort, I do my best. 

         And I leave the results to God.  "My best for today is good enough."  I've learned
perfectionism is a disease and "Easy does it." Have you heard of the three P's? They are perfectionism, procrastination and paralysis.  

         These three responses are a regression.  Instead of our circum-stances or project improving, they worsen, if we live by them.  Per-fectionism usually leads to procrastinating.  If we stall enough, we can become paralyzed, overwhelmed, because the problem has grown, due to our inattention.   
       
        This emotional disaster happens when principles are overrun by the vulnerable areas of our personality.  We let fear, anxiety or resentment rule our emotions and good intentions.  You get the idea.  

          I find the following helpful when I am tempted with perfectionism:
I have yet to meet an absolute perfectionist whose life was filled with inner peace. The need for perfection and the desire for inner tranquility conflict with each other.  Whenever we're attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are, almost by definition, engaged in a losing battle.  
Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what's wrong with something and our need to fix it.When we  are zeroed in on what's wrong  it implies that we are dissatisfied, discontent. 
Whether it is related to ourselves ---a disorganized closet, a scratch on the car, an imperfect ac-complishment, a few pounds we would like to lose---or someone else's imperfections------the way someone looks, behaves, or lives their life--- the very act of focusing on imperfection pulls us away from our goal of being kind and gentle. 
This strategy has nothing to do with ceasing to do your very best, but with being overly attached and focused on what is  wrong with life.
                      Richard Carlson,  Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

         Communicating, fellowship and celebrating life is good for everyone.  That is what happens when you write a comment.  It helps me know what is going on within you.  

        Have a terrific Friday.  Keep looking up,
Related Post:
Progress, Not Perf3ktion
at 11:59:00 PM Written by the innkeeper

1 comment:

Thumper said...

Hi Pablo,

I used to be a perfectionist, but now I am being much gentler with myself. What Richard Carlson (whom I love to read by the way) said about perfectionism and inner tranquility being in conflict with one another is so very true. I find that when I let the perfectionism go I am much more peaceful and happy.

September 9, 2016 at 6:41 PM

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Quotes from the Posts

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From "My Character Determines My Destiny." To read it, please click here.

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From: "Do You Know What It Means If You Are Too Busy?" For more, please click here.

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