Perfection is the Lowest Standard
How many of us are driven to do things perfectly? Whether we have taken on this belief from over zealous parents, teachers or our own high standards, the belief that we have to do everything perfectly can severely limit us and is usually the root cause of procrastination.
If we hold perfection in too high a regard we will not start something for fear of not doing it perfectly. Can you relate to this? This is why perfection is the lowest standard.
While we should always strive to do something to a high standard, in starting out we might accept what G. K. Chesterton said “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly” — at first!
Remember learning to drive? The first few times you couldn’t even turn on the indicator and accelerate at the same time. But eventually you were able to drive the car while drinking coffee and talking on your mobile (not necessarily a good idea 
.
So be forgiving of yourself when trying something new; give yourself permission to do it badly at first. At least then you will get started and then be able to correct your progress.
Think of something specific you have been putting off doing because you don’t know if you can do it perfectly and follow through the EFT tapping points as follows:
| Karate Chop: | Even though I have to do this perfectly, I completely love and accept myself. Even though I don’t know how to do this and have been punished in the past for doing something badly, I give myself permission to make mistakes as I learn this. Even though I haven’t started this because I am afraid of making mistakes, I completely love and accept myself. |
| Head: | Afraid of doing this badly |
| Eyebrows: | Fear of making mistakes |
| Side of Eyes: | I have to do this perfectly |
| Under Eyes | I forgive myself for making mistakes as I learn |
| Under Nose: | What if I do this wrong? |
| Chin Point: | The consequences are too scary |
| Collarbones: | I’m not allowed to make mistakes or I’ll be punished |
| Under Arms: | I have to do this tapping perfectly |
| Wrists: | I completely love and accept myself doing something badly at first because at least then I’ll get started |
You might want to do a few more rounds about your specific situation. Maybe you can recall some times when your were punished for not being perfect and tap around those as well.
Remember to own your mistakes. It is only by acknowledging what we have done that we can change it. “Correct, don’t protect.” — Keith Cunningham.
Related Posts:
- Procrastination: Break the habit with EFT
- Control Cravings with EFT
- Missing someone at Christmas?
- Fear of what will other people will think of me?
- Anger Management with EFT
Tags: fear, perfectionist, procrastination
