WE AS WOMEN HAVE STRUGGLED WITH PERFECTIONISM ISSUES FOR YEARS.

When it comes to our bodies, mainstream media has influenced us into thinking that skinny is sexy and a “perfect body” is THE key to the happy life…and statistics have shown that we start the vicious dieting cycle on average at the ripe young age of 8… Isn’t that crazy and completely insane? But it’s the truth.

When it comes to business and our work, we stall in putting ourselves out there in a bigger and bolder way because we feel like we aren’t good enough, and we don’t know enough…in other words, that we aren’t yet ‘’perfect”.

HERE’S THE STONE COLD TRUTH. Perfectionism is a myth.

In fact, the great scientist Stephen Hawking says that “One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist…without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”

So we MUST let go of this idea of perfection, and learn to embrace our beautiful and wonderful imperfections… For me, it’s that massive red scar on my back I developed from a melanoma removal that healed all funky… Those stretch marks on my inner thighs I acquired when I started “filling out” in high-school… My tendency to say um when I’m giving a call or a talk… My complete lack of ability to spell basic words (yesterday I spelled “role”, “roll” multiple times in an email when I really meant role)…

There are ALWAYS going to be times when we don’t feel completely perfect in our bodies, like we don’t quite know enough yet, and like we’re not smart enough to do our great and passionate work in the world.

But, the reality is that we are the role models for the next generation and seriously struggling with setting a shining example… It’s time for a change and to learn to BE that positive and confident yet imperfect example, every day.

I truly believe that the key to moving forward with our life goals and dreams is to accept, appreciate and unapologetically own ALL of who we are, imperfections and all…and to meet ourselves where we are today and start from there.

MY 3 QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO PONDER ARE THESE:

In what areas of your life do you feel like you could let go of the idea of being perfect?

When you let go of these ideas, what will that do for you?

How will embracing your imperfections make you feel?

I encourage you to set aside a few minutes today, grab a journal and answer these questions for yourself. Then feel free to share your aha’s and answers in the blog below.

To your beautifully imperfect self,