INNER BEAUTY
I´m a much happier person since I´ve stopped (well almost) striving for perfection in everything. It doesn't happen over night, it actually took me years, but just being aware of this behaviour makes it easier and you become more forgiving. I recently read an article in RED magazine on the topic where Gwyneth Paltrow said; "Striving to achieve a sense of perfection has been a misguided belief in my life, often leading me down the wrong path. It has made me not listen to my true self for fear I would somehow fail in another's eyes."
The psychologist Dr Susan McNary says some important words to remember; "No one is harder on the perfectionist than the perfectionist herself, who lives with a constant inner critic."
Here are three steps to practice to realise that good is good enough:
1. Practice acceptance and serenity
Don´t be a perfectionist. Strive for completeness rather than faultlessness. Listen to your inner critic with compassion.
2. Stop and reflect
Ask yourself a simple question like does this really matter?
3. Strive just enough
Striving can be good. It´s only when we chase the perfection that we get the tunnel vision that drains our life force. Strive for excellence, not perfection.
[Text source RED magazine Dec 2013. Image via Pinterest via crushculdesac.tumblr.com]
