September 29, 2010

Perfection?

image

I came across Brene’s post at Ordinary Courage about her Perfect Protest.  It’s a quick and insightful read.  She invited people to link back to her site with a Perfect Protest sign of their own.  This looked like fun, so I made up my own sign, set the self-timer on the camera and this is my take.  Play along too, if you’re so inclined.  She’s written a book along the same lines, The Gifts of Imperfection.

I think we waste so much time and energy in striving for PERFECTION!  Really…..who are we trying to impress?  And is it even worth it?   Now striving for mastery (excellence) is different.

Perfectionism is a thief:
  • steals your joy
  • steals your time
  • steals your vision
  • steals your passion
  • steals your ability to be a beginner
  • steals your compassion
  • steals your acceptance
Has Perfectionism stolen anything from you?

15 comments:

  1. iHannaSeptember 29, 2010 at 6:56 AM

    Eden, I love your photo!

    I don't buy it either, there is nothing that is perfect in the sense that we think in our minds sometimes; to always strive for change. My favorite quote is "I am enough" :-)

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  2. Jeanne NelsonSeptember 29, 2010 at 7:19 AM

    Great post, and words of wisdom, Eden. Removing that "perfectionistic" attitude about myself, my art, my work ... my life ... has always been a challenge for me. Deeply embedded in my brain are all those "encouraging words" heard throughout my young life ~~ "strive to be the best, give it your all, make us proud, you can win, you can do better,..." What a great attitude ~~ "I'm not buying it anymore!" Do you mind if I link to your post so I can continue to be reminded of this great philosophy? Irreardless, thanks for sharing this freeing thought! Happy Day, Eden!

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  3. JPSeptember 29, 2010 at 7:39 AM

    Proves the good habits are actually difficult to break. See those question marks? Aren't they just a bit to perfect?

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  4. Martha LeverSeptember 29, 2010 at 8:33 AM

    This is so true, Eden. This is surely a challenge for me. Love the picture--so cute.

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  5. Marthann's MusingsSeptember 29, 2010 at 9:15 AM

    Eden, I love this. Love your sox and shoes!! This is something I work on all the time.
    Have a great day.

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  6. LibertySeptember 29, 2010 at 12:13 PM

    AWEsome Eden! :-)
    Perfectionism has stolen so much from me... or stood in the way of so much.
    I hold back from attempting more than 75% of the art I'd like to do because of perfectionism. grr!

    your socks and shoes rock btw :)

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  7. EdenSeptember 29, 2010 at 5:44 PM

    Thanks for sharing your struggles! Nothing's worse than that not measuring up feeling! Just trying to relax and do my best here.

    @Jeanne- please link away :D

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  8. Jeanne NelsonSeptember 30, 2010 at 11:14 AM

    Thanks, Eden! I need a constant reminder of the wisdom in this post, ;)

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  9. Carrie @carrielovesSeptember 30, 2010 at 11:58 AM

    Perfectionism is definitely a thief - well put. You don't have to be perfect to be beautiful! I blog hopped over from the ordinary courage.

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  10. KellyOctober 1, 2010 at 8:55 AM

    Awesome post!!!

    I just joined in on Brene's Perfect Protest. (Just found her blog last night, so I wasn't able to snap a picture). Once I hit a 30-something, I began to feel this way.
    I have learned there is a sense of peace that comes with accepting little imperfections. :D
    Have a great weekend!!

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  11. AnonymousOctober 1, 2010 at 1:06 PM

    Okay this is clever! I love it..and the whole idea behind this.....it's, forgive me.....PERFECT! lol

    THE ART OF PERFECTION
    IS LIKE AN INFECTION

    FULL OF REJECTION

    SPOILS FRUITFUL REFLECTION


    AND IT CAN RUIN A GOOD COMPLEXION!

    ciao bella!

    CREATIVE CARMELINA

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  12. aimeeOctober 1, 2010 at 6:21 PM

    yes!! way to go!!

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  13. MonicaOctober 5, 2010 at 2:28 PM

    LOVE your photo and the list of what it steals. brilliant.

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  14. IsaOctober 5, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    I love this!

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  15. Serena LewisOctober 6, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    Fab pic!!! I have issues with perfectionism too....it holds me back from doing a lot more art than I would like to do.

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