Yes, the power of perfectionism can really lose its sting once we are aware of it – and start telling different stories. Thank you for your comment! And have fun remembering the bigger picture. 🙂

As a Type 1 Energy, getting out the door to arrive in time is extremely challenging for me…

Have been late most of my life, which works in places like Latin America & Islands, where time is seen differently, but definitely harmful in friendships, work or appointments where they do value timeliness!

My ADD type thinking, perfectionism & distractibility get in my way. Can become like a chicken without it’s head!

And yes, I too often forget to eat… What’s weird is that “professionals” deny I have ADD. Yet to me, I have fit the symptoms, although now with Energy Typing by Carol Tuttle, she does describe the challenges of Type 1s as similar to creative, ADD behaviors…

Not yet aware enough of how I spend the time that makes me late…
So I will try your technique…
Thanks!

Hi Marjorie,

Thank you for passing on this great tip/technique. Anything that can be used to trick the often-debilitating effects of perfectionism is great to know about!

For my own writing process, I allocate a set amount of time each weekday to write. No more, no less. This is similar in some ways to your suggestion. Because the time is set, I can just devote my time to the creative process, not worrying about outcome. I know some writers who set a certain number of words a day, and this works for them. Wouldn’t work for me! I prefer to just have the time to focus on the creative flow.

Thank you for your comment! 🙂

XOZ

Perfectionism is biggie for those of us with ADHD, which includes me and many of my clients. It can cause us to procrastinate, due to fear of being judged as imperfect, unless we get the adrenaline rush of deadlines. Ahh, deadlines, a blessing and a curse. They kick procrastination in the butt and jumpstart our brains with adrenaline – so we’re in the zone and do a REALLY good job. However, we can also become so hyperfocused that we lose track of time and the need to eat, until we’re done, late for an appointment, and starving. At this point we should probably wear a warning sign.

So here’s a way to TRICK our creative brains out of perfectionism mode:

Set the timer for a specific length of time, either the time you have available or the time that it would take a ‘normal’ person to do the same task. The brain now says, “OK, we’re playing BEAT THE CLOCK!” and it forgets all about having to stress on being perfect. It seems too simple but it really works! Then we can get to the Perfection of allowing ourselves, our environment, and what we do, to be good enough, with Spirit expressing itself perfectly through us – just as the way we are and are not.

Aloha Lani!

I love this – Spiritual Ex-Lax!! If only we could purchase this in drugstores across the land!

I agree with you that relaxing into “what is” is a wonderful practice. So many things fall into place when we can do this.

And I’m happy to know that you remember the smear cartridges!! Boy, talk about a spiritual teacher! I guess I can just be grateful for them now – they sure did teach me a lot!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂

XOZ

Not to say I’ve thrown in the towel (though admit to my ‘slob’ periods that come during intense times of overwhelm)… It means relaxing into what is… Stop resisting it! So I can shift back into a more loving feeling.

That reminds of that song, something like: “I’ve lost that loving feeling…”. I could use that as a signal that perfectionism has visited again 🙂 !

I love those moments where I have been blessed with experiencing Perfection… And yes, it feels like Love.
<3

And my sense is that looking for perfection is an attempt, albeit clumsy, to see Perfection! Doing our best to be aligned with the Perfection of Spirit, our Spirit, in Oneness with All.

Thanks for another great blog & comments!

P.S. In my paper writing days, my perfectionist tendencies led me to procrastination. I would pull an all nighter, scarfing down peanut M&Ms as I argued with the darn typewriter & that fakey smear cartridge!!! Luckily I was smart enough to have lots of paper (& M&Ms). Maybe that's how some of the Grad school 20's (or was it 40's?) came on. Ah yes, I remember now… Top Ramen & lack of exercise too. Other factors! 🙂

Exactly! 🙂

Hi Karen,

I like that you point out the positive aspects of perfectionism. I am especially impressed by those tags on your mattress!

I agree with you that variety is what it’s all about. Also, I like that you now enjoy those aspects of yourself that used to be problematic. Making the spotless parts work for you is wonderful.

People at my old day-job used to marvel at the tidy state of my desk. But it made me happy. For them, keeping their desk that spiffy all the time probably would have made them miserable. So it’s all about balance. And variety. And the tags on the mattress. 🙂

XOZ