Practice makes perfect. Or so I was told.
But for years, I misunderstood this whole “perfect” thing. I thought it meant that we would become flawless. That we would score 10s across the board on feedback surveys and get uniform accolades from bosses and clients and colleagues.
Well, that didn’t work out very well for me. I doubt it did for you, either.
Then I realized a more helpful meaning of the word, “perfect.” Instead of aiming for flawlessness, it became clear that we should shoot for becoming complete. Mature. Seasoned. I know that sounds boring compared to exceptionally flawless and wildly successful. But I’ll bet those around you would be quite pleased if you were simply the best version of yourself. Which probably isn’t flawless.
What if we let go of flawlessness, and instead went after being solidly grown up in how we approach our work and our lives? What if perfect meant that we were simply more of who we were created to be?
That makes practicing a source of joy instead of a source of frustration.