May 3, 2024
In today’s fast-paced work environment, the pursuit of success often leads us down the path of perfectionism. However, this relentless drive for the perfect outcome can be more of a hindrance than a help. The concept of perfection is a mirage; it’s an unattainable standard that can lead to burnout, stress, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. To foster a healthier relationship with our work and ourselves, it’s crucial to reframe our understanding of success. This involves recognising that excellence, not perfection, is a more sustainable goal, and embracing positive affirmations to guide our mindset and actions.
The Myth of Perfection
Perfection doesn’t exist in the tangible world; it is a construct of our imagination, shaped by subjective expectations. Striving for perfection is often a path to failure because the perfect outcome we envision is always just out of reach, distorted by the lens of reality. It’s essential to understand that actions and outcomes can be deemed right or wrong only within specific contexts and guidelines. When clear objectives are set, striving for excellence—not perfection—ensures that we are fully engaged and doing our best, with success determined by our efforts and not an elusive ideal.
Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection
When we aim for excellence, we focus on our process and effort, knowing that we have given our all. This mindset shift from seeking perfection to pursuing excellence allows us to recognise our achievements and learn from our experiences. On the other hand, an obsession with perfection can blind us to the value of the journey and the growth it brings. By embracing excellence, we can find fulfillment in our efforts and use any setbacks as motivation to learn and improve.
Enjoyment and Fulfillment in the Process
The true measure of our work is not just in the outcomes but in the satisfaction and fulfillment derived from doing our best. When we engage fully with our tasks, applying our knowledge and skills to the fullest, we find meaning and joy in our work. This sense of accomplishment comes from knowing we have exerted our maximum effort, regardless of the result. Such an approach not only enhances our well-being but also turns potential frustration into a powerful motivator for continuous learning and growth.
The Role of Positive Affirmations
In the journey towards embracing excellence over perfection, affirmations play a crucial role in reshaping our mindset and reinforcing our commitment to personal growth and satisfaction in our work. Here are five affirmations to incorporate into your daily routine:
Today I Will Use All I Know to Do the Best I Know
This affirmation encourages us to apply our knowledge and skills to their fullest potential, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. It’s a commitment to making today’s efforts the best they can be.
No Tree Is Perfect, No Weather Is Perfect… All Are Just Beautiful and Useful for Their Purpose
This statement reminds us that perfection is not necessary for beauty or utility. Like the natural world, our worth and contribution are not diminished by imperfections. We, too, are beautiful and useful, just as we are.
I Trust My Skills, My Knowledge, and I’m Confident and Open to Learn as Much as I Can to Improve in Every Single Area of My Life
This affirmation builds self-confidence and openness to continuous improvement. It’s an acknowledgment that while we trust in our current abilities, we are also eager to learn and grow.
Excellence Is My Goal, No Matter How Big or Small the Task Is, I’ll Do It the Best I Can
Setting excellence as our goal ensures that we put forth our best effort in every task, recognizing that the value lies in our dedication and not in achieving perfection.
No Matter the Result, I Trust and Let Go of Control
This final affirmation helps us to release the need for control and the anxiety of achieving perfect results. It encourages trust in our efforts and the process, accepting outcomes as they come.
By shifting our focus from perfection to excellence, we can alleviate the pressure that leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. Positive affirmations are vital tools in this transformation, guiding us to appreciate our efforts and the journey itself. Embracing these affirmations each morning sets the tone for a day filled with purpose, fulfillment, and resilience, allowing us to strive for the stars without burning out at work.
Lorena Bernal
Article published in Readers Digest.
May 3, 2024
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves searching for answers and seeking guidance on how to navigate the complexities of existence. We forget that within each of us lies a core of love and light, waiting to be rediscovered. In this article, we’ll explore the journey back to our authentic selves, understanding the importance of reconnecting with the pure love and joy we once knew as children. This journey, as we’ll discover, is not just a personal quest; it holds the key to unlocking the true power within each of us.
The Lamp Metaphor – You Are Light, Nothing Else Matters
Imagine you are a lamp – made of plastic, metal, or any other material – constantly preoccupied with figuring out your purpose and the best way to care for yourself. Society tells you to identify the kind of lamp you are and teaches you how to clean it, keep it like new for as long as you can… Perhaps your parents placed you on the ceiling, thinking you were a ceiling lamp, when, in reality, you are more suited to be a bedside table lamp, but they couldn’t really see you as you were and they wanted the best for you. Or maybe you dream of being a grand football stadium lamp but doubt your capacity because you heard those lamps have to be giant. We often focus on being the best lamp we can be, for as long as we can be but lost in the pursuit of something that is constantly reminding us how lost and empty we deeply are, because we are forgetting that our true purpose is just to illuminate.
Regardless of your material or function, your true purpose is to illuminate. The plastic, glass, the metal, the size, or the location – these are secondary. Your light is the core, and without it, being the perfect lamp is meaningless. The key lies in turning on your light, and from there, your purpose becomes clear. Whether you illuminate a family dinner as a ceiling lamp, cast a calming glow as a bedside table lamp, or shine brightly in a football stadium, the essence lies in your light, not in the specifics of your form or function. Embracing your role as an illuminator, your true power manifests – the power of being the light and love you are:
Unveiling the Shield Around Your Heart – Reconnecting with Childhood Joy
As adults, our hearts often bear the weight of disappointments, pain, and the protective walls we’ve built around it over the years. We all were once pure light, pure love, a bright a shining bulb. Our childhoods were filled with joy, curiosity, smiles, and an openness to the world. However, as we grew older, life’s challenges introduced confusion, pain, and disappointment, causing us to construct shields around our hearts, and a persona to protect our apparent fragility.
To rediscover our light, we must journey back to the moments before that light was turned off and replaced by an identity. Close your eyes, reflect on the time when you were a carefree child – full of joy, curiosity, and boundless energy. Connect with the essence of that child, recognising that it is still a part of you. Despite the passage of time and life’s challenges, that core, that light, remains intact. Reconnecting with your that child allows you to recognise your true self, who you truly are. To live without fear, embracing life with love, joy, and authenticity. Here, the true power of being the light and love you are emerges, breaking down the walls that have hidden your essence for so long.
Embracing Small Joyful Moments – Recognising Your True Self
To reconnect with your inner light, pay attention to moments of joy and love, no matter how small, even if it´s just an instant. Pause, right there, become aware of that moment, and identify where in your body you feel the love, the peace and the joy. Breathe in that joy, immerse yourself in the experience, and stay present. This is the real you – the one unburdened by fear, worry, or time constraints. That is the feeling that is hidden in you permanently eager to get out and be free.
Life may present various challenges, and each person’s journey is unique, but the common thread is the existence of moments of joy. These moments are the breadcrumbs leading you back to your true essence. Regardless of your circumstances, these flashes of joy connect you with your inner light. Train yourself to be aware of these moments, and gradually, you’ll find they become more frequent. In these moments, love reigns supreme, and your true essence shines through. Recognising these moments is recognising the true power residing in being the light and love you are. Hold on to that feeling!
Creating a Chain of Love – Impacting Others Positively
Imagine if everyone focused on being the love they truly are. The ripple effect would be profound, creating a chain reaction of positivity and illumination in the world. By reconnecting with your inner light, you not only transform your own life but also contribute to a collective shift towards love and joy. This ripple effect has the power to inspire others to embark on their journey of self-discovery, creating a beautiful chain of interconnected lights that dispels the darkness. Don´t we all need this?
Illuminating the Path to Happiness, Love, and Peace
In the pursuit of self-discovery and fulfillment, it’s crucial to remember that our essence, our light, remains within us despite life’s challenges. By reconnecting with the love and joy we knew as children, we unlock the key to happiness, love, and peace. Embrace the moments of joy, recognise your true self, and let your inner light guide not only your path but also the paths of those around you. Together, let’s illuminate the world with the transformative power of love – the true power that resides in being the light and love we are.
