Progress, Not Perfection

“Progress, not perfection.”
 
This is a motto that Marie Forleo* stresses all the time. It’s quite brilliant because perfection is the antithesis of creativity. I know for myself, sometimes I want to do something perfectly and then I melt down if it’s not perfect. That or I don’t do anything on a creative project because I’m afraid it won’t be perfect. Either way, allowing perfection to control the creative process is detrimental and completely opposite of what creativity is: a way to express yourself and your soul.
 
So what does progress mean? It means taking it one step at a time. Doing what you are able to in the moment, without getting lost on the end result and how you want it to look. Take whatever little steps you can towards your goal, without being paralyzed as to how you will ever accomplish it all. You won’t if you’re overwhelmed. Here’s a secret, overwhelm is a tool the negative ego uses to stop you. Think about it, if you’re overwhelmed, you either don’t do anything or you aren’t present to what you actually do because there’s so much else to get done. Both options prevent you from owning your power in your body, in present time.
 
A great example of progress would be if you wanted to begin a meditation practice. You would completely sabotage yourself if on day one, you expected perfect focus, a quiet mind, and the ability to do it for a half hour. That’s unrealistic. Instead, aim for one minute; focused breathing for one minute. If you can do that, the next day, add more time; and so on and so forth. You cannot expect perfection on anything that you are just learning or anything you are starting to create. 
 
Progress is having perseverance through daily small actions. Many little steps lead to big changes. It does not have to be huge chunks of time, but it does need to be consistent to see the results you’re after. Think of yourself like an athlete. To run the marathon, you would train daily. You know the big picture, but you focus on what you can accomplish that day. It is exactly the same with a creative project, or a new vision you have for your life. And let me clarify that creativity isn’t limited to the arts. Creativity encompasses learning new skills, having a new vision for your life, redesigning your living space- really anything can be creative. Don’t limit yourself to thinking that I’m talking about painting a picture or writing a book. 
 
Do what you can now in service of your goal. Don’t wait. One step at a time. Trial and error. See what works, and what doesn’t. Perfection will only sabotage you and take you off track. Instead, stay in the now and do what you can. Feel the sense of accomplishment with every step, propelling you excitedly towards the next step. You can always edit, you can always re-do. Nothing is set in stone. Allow yourself the freedom to explore, create, and learn unencumbered. 
 
Progress, not perfection.
 
Happy creating!


(* if you don't know Marie, she's great, google her)