One of the things I’ve realized about myself is my tendency to let perfection get in my way.  How, you ask?  It’s a little like paralysis by analysis.  Have you had that experience where you’re immobilized, unable to take the next step because you’re afraid of failing?  I’m not really sure when I became this kind of perfectionist, but there it is.

Recently, I read these words of wisdom: “Don’t wait to be an expert because you’ll never feel expert enough.” 

I love that!  I’ve also come to realize that you don’t have to be a genius to offer something to the world.  Look at all the people out there in your life who make a difference in their own way.  Are any of them perfect?  Would you call any of them a genius?  Probably not, right?  I know some fabulous people, love some wonderful people, and I have been touched deeply by some completely amazing, awe-inspiring people, but none of them claim perfection or genius.

So why do I hold myself to a different standard?  Why do I expect to be able to meet that impossible standard?  Does anyone else really expect it? 

It’s so easy to get caught up in the finished product and what it will look like, what people will think of it, what it says about you.  So often we miss the boat entirely by focusing on that stuff.  I think of the first party my husband, Johnny, and I had for our families.  I made myself completely crazy trying to find a handful of perfect recipes to make.  Trying to think of what would appeal to everyone took hours and hours of research on ‘foodnetwork.com’.  I had several lists of ingredients, stuff to buy, things to do.  I spent a frenzied day cooking, panicking, and cleaning the house (Johnny did more cleaning, as is our custom).  We were ready to kill each other just minutes before the doorbell was about to ring.  And, for what?  The dinner was fine, the company was great, it all turned out absolutely okay, and there was no need for all that insanity.  This was our family, they weren’t going to think any less of me because the chicken divan was a little dry (see, I just can’t let go of that!). 

I know now that I would have enjoyed myself just as much, if not more, had I put less emphasis and energy into the food, and more into the joy of bringing our families together for the first time in our home.  Silly girl, I totally missed the point! 

Some of the best times of my life have been when I followed my passion and just let myself enjoy the experience, not worrying about measuring up to any standard.  Dancing is a great example of that!  Think of how much fun and how exhilarating it can be to dance your butt off at a wedding.  Sure, sometimes it takes a few cocktails, or, the hand of a friend dragging you out onto the floor. But once you’re out there and you let go doesn’t it feel great?! 

So, that gets me thinking about what else I’m not doing because I’m afraid it won’t be perfect.  What about you?  What are you missing out on? 

A Find Your ROAR Call To Action:
Ask yourself:

* What am I passionate about?

* If fear and criticism weren’t an obstacle, what would I like to do/be/have?

* What’s holding me back?

* If I did it/had it, what would it feel like?

* What baby step can I take towards it?

* What’s the worst that could happen?

* What’s the best that could happen?

Write me and tell me YOUR story, I’d love to hear it!

By Casey Kerr

Life coach Casey Kerr is a motivational speaker, founder of Find Your ROAR, and creator of the ROAR Steps to Success System.  Her coaching philosophy stems from the fact that an individual cannot look outside for happiness and self confidence, but has to look INSIDE to first find it, and then develop it.  Casey is also the designer/owner of ROARING Stones healing crystal and stone jewelry.