I recently came across a quote from John Steinbeck’s book “East of Eden”. It reads, ‘now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good’.
If I read the book before I do not recall. I have since, bought the book. The phrase says so much too much to me.
First and foremost, I find the phrase to be freeing. I know I can not perfect, yet I expect perfection in myself.
I don’t expect perfection from others, yet I expect perfection in myself.
WHY!?!?!?
I used to believe striving for perfection meant I was giving it my best. I have since realized it just meant nothing I ever did would never be good enough.
It’s a struggle to allow myself to be happy with ‘good enough’; to quit looking and thinking I coulda/shoulda/woulda done better.
Striving for perfection and knowing it couldn’t be achieved only paralyzed me. If it can’t be perfect don’t do anything became the rule.
Expecting perfection in everything took something away from me – internal peace. There is constant frustration, anger, and self loathing when the chaos of imperfection rules.
Once I accepted ‘good enough’ I accomplished so much more. And I am able to enjoy my accomplishments.
Do you struggle with ‘good enough’? Are you willing to accept it?
What perfection is holding you back?