“Just because you are happy, it does not mean that the day is perfect but that you have overlooked its imperfections.”
~Bob Marley
I was talking with a client about the duality of perfection. That we are all inherently perfect just as we are and also always works in progress. That this moment and day are perfect just as they are and also full of imperfections.
It depends on what we choose to focus on, to see, and to overlook.
One aspect of our view on leadership is to “yield to your perfection” – that is, this moment is perfect just as it is and you are perfect just as you are. Imperfections and all.
This ability to see the perfection amidst the imperfections, or to overlook the imperfections as Bob Marley suggests, opens our brains to possibility. It allows us to acknowledge what is — and also see the good…which makes us happy.
And then that happiness opens our brains to more possibility, and the cycle goes forward.
Recognizing perfection and overlooking imperfections doesn’t mean that we lower our standards or put up with unacceptable behavior, but constantly driving toward perfectionism hurts us and the people around us. It lets us know we’re not good enough. It makes us give up. And when we need ourselves, our day, other people, our work to be perfect, we rob ourselves of a great deal – enjoyment, accomplishment, connection. The list goes on.
We also rob our brains of what it needs to function at its best. Research has shown that a positive brain fosters creativity, fuels productivity, and forwards energy and engagement.
We need to see the things we need to fix, and we have a choice about what we focus on. We can choose what we stay with, what we see more of, and what we overlook. With this choice we can be happier, more connected, and even more accomplished. Bob Marley knew what he was talking about.
How do you overlook imperfections, and how does it fuel you?
Please leave a comment.
If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.
If you want to break your habit of perfectionism, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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