Progress over Perfection

When God created the world, He said, “It is good.” He didn’t say it was perfect.

If God is good with progress over perfection, why aren’t we? We won’t ever be perfect in any aspect, so why do so many of us strive for it? 

That was my waking thought this morning. I know, I think of some weird stuff at 4am. I was thinking maybe we endeavor  for “perfection” as an excuse to give up when things get too tough. We know it is impossible, but we want it anyway. So we set this impossible standard only to be disappointed every single time.

I don’t know about you, but actually living a life that has some progress in it every day sure sounds way better than struggling for every aspect to be perfect. Progress looks at the “positives” of situations while perfection looks at the “negatives.” Progress can be never-ending, while perfection is finite. One will help you lead a balanced life and the other will drive you freakin’ crazy.

Perfection ruins creativity. It stagnates you.

Perfection harms self-esteem.

Perfection ruins excitement and makes you focus on what you don’t have.

Perfection makes you procrastinate.

Perfectionism sucks the joy out of anything you do.

Perfection is not attainable.

Progress lets us enjoy the journey. It lets us rejoice in the daily victories of getting better every day. 

Progress motivates you.

Progress allows you to keep moving forward.

Progress helps you lead a more balanced life.

Next time you catch yourself falling down that rabbit hole of attempting to be “perfect” at something, STOP! Instead, aim for excellence and progress. Not only will you have measurable and attainable victories, but you will find yourself more joyful along the way.