My soggy bottom may help you do that thing you love...

Hello Passion Seeker!

This weekend, I caught myself making an excuse that I bet you’ve made, too.

I told myself I didn’t want to do something I knew I’d love, because "it" wouldn’t be perfect; that I wouldn’t be perfect.

It reminded me that sometimes, we're our own worst enemies when it comes to truly loving our life.

We call it standards.
We call it being “not ready.”
We call it perfectionism. 

This nearly stopped me from a beautiful experience this weekend. Kayaking is one of my favourite activities, but I’ve barely made it to the lake in years, because it requires just enough discomfort for me to put it off.

This weekend saw many of the same barriers:

Texting my friend Amanda to ask for a "kayak date" (we’d be using her kayaks: favor alert!). Following her plan, not mine (me as control freak, hello). Cleaning the cobwebs, dragging the kayaks, stepping into the weedy lake and sitting on a potentially soggy seat looking like a total amateur.

And… I loved it!

The second we were floating, I felt that buzz again: calm, peace, a reminder of who I am when I stop trying to line everything up perfectly. This really wasn’t about me being perfect (I'm a long way off that, I didn’t even realize there was a pocket in the life jacket until Amanda showed me!). It was about letting go of the idea that everything had to be just right, all of the time.

Once I got on with it, I experienced the good stuff: nature, friendship and satisfaction. And, I inadvertently gave Amanda a gift too - she thanked me afterwards for motivating her to get out there. (What a friend, right?)

So, what's really going on when we call ourselves “perfectionists”?

Perfectionism is real and it can hurt us. But, it can be tempting to wear it like a badge of honor. 

So, what is instead of saying “I’m such a perfectionist,” we asked ourselves: "What’s the real reason I’m avoiding this?" Then, remind ourselves that there is goodness on the other side.

What if it’s not always about being the best?

In my keynotes, I speak to leaders who crave passion, but feel like they have to earn it with perfection. It makes sense, because we’ve been trained that way. However, not everything in life needs excellence.

What truly needs your best, and what can you simply ENJOY? (I know, there's a concept..!)

Forget the "ick"!

(Side note: Ick is one of my least favourite words. File it under “kiddos,” “hubby,” and “nom nom.” But here we are…!)

Think about it: perhaps what grosses you out/makes you freeze are signs that something will matter. Is it truly going to kill you to show up to that class on your own? Jump in cold water? Be seen at work as someone who is hungry for more? Not catch the biggest fish?

If we keep saying, “I won’t bother because it won’t be perfect,” we will miss out. So, watch for the hesitation: you can honor it, just don't let it turn you back.

And above all, remember that while some things need structure and precision, there’s also space for "you" who shows up second/tenth in command, in borrowed gear, odd socks, underprepared… and still saying yes.

Honestly, we need that version of you in this world today...

Laura

Founder, Passion Collective