the perfect enemy

Good is better than perfect....Done is better than perfect...

I know people who are perfectionist who don't do anything unless they do it "perfectly". When they exercise, they are training for the marathon. When they graduate, it will be with a 4.0 GPA. When they write, it will be for a New York Times Best Seller. Well, I very nearly never do anything perfect. So, I must not be a perfectionist, right? 

Recently I stumbled on to an article in Forbes magazine that broke it down just a little bit further.... and here it is - this is why I keep having to remind myself - done is better than perfect - send the card, post the message, just do it.... I am a maximizer. 

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Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project states there are two kinds of decision makers: “Satisficers are those who make a decision or take action once their criteria are met. That doesn’t mean they’ll settle for mediocrity; their criteria can be very high, but as soon as they find the business card that has the qualities they want, they’re satisfied. Maximizers want to make the optimal decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets their requirements, they can’t make a decision until after they’ve examined every option, to make the best possible choice.” Her studies suggest that satisficers are happier than maximizers. This is because maximizers spend a lot more time and effort to reach a decision, and still get anxious about whether they made the best choice.

So, what is going to happen if there was a better choice? What if I could have gotten a better deal? What if there was a better way? What if I try and fail? What if I put it out there and then don't meet my goal? Well, anyone...? 

I suspect that I will get back up and try again. I suspect I'll do it better next time. I suspect that I won't even miss the couple dollars that I could have saved. I suspect that everyone who tells me how I could have done it better has either never tried and never will or even better, they do know and will tell me something that will keep me from making the same mistake twice.  

On the other hand, what if I do the thing that I set out to do, and it succeeds in making someone feel significant? Helps someone get better or feel better? Is simply what I believe God asked me to do. Creates the very thing I wanted to create. 

Either way, it's time to stop thinking about what other people think and go after what we are wanting to create with everything we have!  We do our best, we strive for excellence but we don't wait for perfect. We will fail if we do... but this is also the only way  to succeed. 

Want to dive in more to this... check out the conversation between Oprah and  Brené Brown.

“Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it's often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.” 
― Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

To support me in my journey of discovery, even when it means uncovering a little perfectionism that I need to be rid of... 

Bergamot is a beautiful fresh and fruity citrus oil that is both relaxing and uplifting and is my top choice for self discovery. It works as to uplift the mood and brings back confidence to the self and helps to release self judgements. “Bergamot has a cleansing affect on stagnant feelings and limiting beliefs systems.” (Emotions & Essential Oils) 
Over all, this oil helps to bring back optimism, hope and self love.

Application: Inhale throughout the bottle consistently throughout the day or use with a diffuser. Topically apply 2-3 drops on the solar plexus and on the wrists. Dilute is necessary. This oil is photosensitive, so avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours if you have applied on the part of the body that will be exposed to sun.


Another favorite of mine... a blend from Dr. Susan Lawton. Use as perfume daily. 


Oil of Self Discovery: Blend together 1 Tablespoon Fractionated Coconut Oil, 4 drops of Bergamot, 3 drops of Wild Orange, 2 drops of Rose or Geranium, and 2 drops of White Fir. Gently blend and apply to bones behind ears, wrists or put in hands and rub together and inhale deeply.

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