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“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”    

– Vince Lombardi

I was watching a video in my email from Matthew Kelly about Power of Progress and how we need to see ourselves as works in progress. It fascinates me that when we decidie to take on something that is new to us that we can easily start putting pressure on ourselves to be perfect OR as good as someone who has been working on it for years. Mastery comes from building habits that support our growth. It comes from doing repetitive actions and honing our skills and talents.

Too many people focus on wanting things “just perfect” or done the “right way” they hold back in taking action without ever thinking the right way was how they do things. Let’s think about this…

If you are not impacting someone’s life or that there is a chance you could go to jail, I would say it is pretty safe to take action. For many people taking action equals risk. Without action, you do not make progress. There are ways to minimize risks. Perform your due diligence by doing research and asking questions you have unanswered. This way you are not stuck on waiting for the “HOW” to get things done. Some people feel if they do not have the full instructions on how to get started- they don’t start at all.

Start with the first step…

Focus on the progress you have made thus far. Each step gets you closer than before. You can continue to focus on the details but don’t get caught up in them. When you focus too closely on the details, you fail to see the big picture of how far you have come!

I love how Amy Cuddy refers to “Fake it until you become it.” She had suffered a head injury and told she would have to change direction with her career. The naysayers came out of the woodwork. She stayed focused and put in the hard work and did not give up! Even when you are nervous, keep practicing and putting yourself out there until you become what you want to be.

The awkwardness you feel is not that you are an imposter…

The awkwardness you feel is because you are stepping out of your comfort zone and growing…

Instead of focusing on HOW I do this when I don’t know how…you should be focusing on –

“What do I need to do to become ___________________?  (you fill in the blank with what you want to be)

What are the skills and abilities I need to possess to BE that person?

What do I need to DO to show up at that caliber?

What do I need to HAVE in place in order to do what I want to DO?

No one is asking you to be perfect. Embrace your uniqueness. Everything is perfect as it is right now for you to learn what you need to learn and be who you need to be.

You may be saying, but Debra, “Does focusing on progress versus perfection lower your standards?”

My answer is simple…NO!!!

Your expectations and standards are not lowered.

Focusing on your progress helps you:

• Celebrate your successes and wins
• Build momentum to your next step
• Envision the possibilities
• Seize opportunities that can advance you toward your goal

Personally, I have been known to have high standards and high expectations. I set them for myself for the goals I want to achieve. I want other people to set their own.

Daily self-reflection provides you with many lessons to learn and grow from as you take each step. Questions for journaling or quiet reflection, although journaling is the best way to flush out your thoughts and ideas, include:

What did I do that went well today? Why?

What will I continue doing?

What is something that did not go as well as I would have like?

How would I have liked that situation or circumstance to go?

What could I do differently in the future?

What habit do I need to start, stop, or continue?

I want you to remember this, “the work in progress is often just as beautiful” – Unknown.

Progress starts with paying attention and focusing on your priorities. It was John Wooden who said, “Don’t mistake activity with achievement.” Progress does not mean you “busy” yourself with tasks and activities. Progress means you are taking intentional actions to get toward your end goal. Perfection is often tied to procrastination. People procrastinate because they want everything to be perfect before they act. They sabotage their opportunity to advance. Notice that no one fears perfection but they fear failure. If you do not have the fear of being perfect you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain because you are farther ahead than if you did nothing.

Stop hiding in the shadows of others…

Start putting yourself out there and BECOME who you want to BE by being perfect just the way you are!

What step are you willing to take to get closer to your goals?

We would love to have you subscribe to the Success Secrets newsletter on my website at www.debrakasowski.com where you’re going to get my just release FREE e-book about the 21 Habits High Achievers Kick to Achieve Success. I would love to hear about this podcast has impacted your life. E-mail me at Debra@DebraKasowski.com. Thank you for listening to The Millionaire Woman Show where we talk about leadership, business, and human potential to help you live rich from the inside out. Subscribe to The Millionaire Woman Show. Share it with Your Friends. Give us a 5-star rating!

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free e-book download today! www.debrakasowski.com