It’s no news bulletin that stress is at an all-time high in the world right now.  While many of the things going on in the world cause us to be stressed a lot of stress is created internally, self-inflicted.  This month my Java's will cover Perfectionism, Worry, Hurrying, and Unrealistic Expectations in that order.   

Perfectionism doesn't believe in practice shots. It doesn't believe in improvement.  Perfectionism measures our beginner's work against the finished work of the masters.  Perfectionism thrives on comparison and competition.  it doesn't know how to say "Good try", or "Job Well Done".

--  Julia Cameron

Merriam Webster's dictionary describes perfectionism as "A disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable".  So let's think about this for a moment.  What is perfect, is there one standard for perfection, or is it each individual's perception of what is perfect for them?  Is a cloudless day perfect for you or would you prefer to also see some billowy clouds; so which one is perfect, one with or without clouds?  

Today's coaching challenge

If you are a person who thinks everything has to be perfect perhaps you can explain to yourself why very good or doing your best isn't good enough?

You know that on the way to the moon the spacecraft was off course 95% of the time, continually course correcting yet they made it to the moon safely.  So for that monumental feat being perfect wasn't a part of the equation for almost the entire mission.  Frequently if we think something has to be perfect, we delay taking action until everything is just right.

Action to take

Pick something that you have been holding off doing because everything wasn't perfect or you didn't have all the answers and take one small step in the direction of getting it accomplished.  Surrender to the knowledge that you don't have all the facts and just get started. 

Always supporting you,                                                                                                                                                                                                  Jan

P.S.  An advisory was just issued stating “If you have any sort of stress and we don’t have a conversation it could be hazardous to your health”  Click here,