By: Jennifer McClellan, MA, NCC, APCDuring a recent Church service, the pastor spoke about ‘giving our best’. In other words, is it ok to settle for ‘just ok’? That sermon spoke to me and had me really thinking about the patterns we create for ourselves. It also brought up the word perfection. Our expectations to see immediate results and striving for perfection. Which often have us leaning toward being self-critical, setting unachievable goals, and creating negative self-talk. Sounds overwhelming and stressful, doesn’t it? The sermon inspired me to give this topic some more thought…
Thoughts on Perfection: Many years ago, someone asked me if I could remove the word perfection from my vocabulary. So, I tried it. I replaced the word perfection with other words and phrases such as “great, awesome, sounds amazing, that’s beautiful”. What a difference that made in my own communication with others and to myself. It’s validating! So where is your threshold of perfection?
Thoughts on Self-Criticizing: Have you ever noticed how you felt when you did not meet a goal or felt disappointed in yourself when your plan or situation did not work out? Did you tell yourself some really negative things? Your brain probably held onto to those negative words! (Huge negative pattern developer).
Thoughts on Mistakes:
Showing up for Yourself and Others: My pastor used John 2:1-11 in that sermon I mentioned as an example of showing up for others. Jesus showed up and met the needs of others. He turned water into wine in order for the wedding celebration in Cana to continue. He did that for the people as they mattered to him. Jesus was doing more than ‘just ok’ – he was giving his best and he gave it to others too!
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