My Favorite Quote

I first heard this quote in therapy. I was told this more times than I can really remember. It always stuck out to me and ultimately ended up being very powerful in my life. I realize that I was so busy aiming for perfection that I was losing sight of everything else. I found myself constantly beating myself up for not being perfect and in turn, I wasn’t giving myself credit for any of the progress that I was making.

At times I certainly find myself in that same boat where I am beating myself up for not being better or being perfect. It is during these times I must remind myself of this particular quote to get me through those negative feelings. I must give myself credit for the small steps I am taking that are positive, not everything has to be a huge “leap.”

I believe we as humans end up striving for perfection and does that really exist? Ask yourself that question and really think about it. At times I still say I wish I was perfect but what does that really mean? Here is what perfection means according to the dictionary: the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects. Doesn’t that sound awesome? Having NO flaws would be wonderful but the reality of it is that we all have flaws of some kind and that is okay. It’s what we do with those flaws that really matter. For example, one of my flaws (imperfections) is negative thinking. I automatically think negatively in most situations. Now I could choose to stay that way 100% of the time or I can do something to change that bad habit, that flaw. At this point in my life, I believe I have gotten a little bit better at stopping myself from always thinking on a negative level. Wouldn’t it be great if it was ALWAYS that way? Sure, maybe. But this is where I am giving myself credit for that “progress” I am making. Each day I am working on renewing my mind and stopping myself before I go into that negative thinking stage right away. Every day I am making progress….even if it’s just a little bit!

Take a second to give yourself the credit for the things you are doing. Those steps you are taking that seem so small and in reality, they are quite the opposite. Stop aiming for something that doesn’t exist, perfection. Strive for progress. Those small steps can lead to something huge. We just need to learn to give ourselves credit for those small steps and in turn, we will feel empowered and continue striving towards the goals we may have. Give yourself credit for your progress…

Many blessings,

Lisa