Dear Friends,
This month, I've had fun exploring the power of imperfection. I've also been
immersed in the final edits on my book Embrace Your Brilliance. I've just
sent it off to the publisher for the last time. I look forward to sharing more
details with you over the next month or two.
In honor of summer (or winter depending where you are in the world), I wish
you sunny days, a free spirit and good times with the people who matter to you
the most.
My best to you!
Claudette
Embrace Imperfection
Does perfectionism plague you?
Do you wish you could loosen up and embrace "good enough"?
Do you procrastinate?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, I encourage you to
consider the merits of imperfection. In our culture, we are steeped in the idea
that if it's not perfect, we've failed, something's flawed or just gone wrong.
In fact, the dictionary definition of imperfection talks about flaws, weaknesses
and a state of faultiness. I agree, on the surface, that's what
imperfection looks like. But here's the truth: imperfection can be liberating.
The magic of imperfection lies in looking below the surface. Because we all
know, at some level, that life is a deeply imperfect enterprise. It always has
been, and I suspect that it always will be. Once we embrace that truth, many of
our structures, beliefs and myths about perfection fall away like the
scaffolding around a space shuttle.
What stops us from embracing imperfection? I've noticed that two basic
beliefs are the main culprits. The first belief is "things should look a certain
way and if they don't, there's a problem." The second belief follows closely on
the heels of the first: "there's one right way to do things".
These beliefs obscure our ability to adjust our view. When you shift your
lens to look beneath the surface of imperfection, you may notice an overlooked detail, beautiful vision or new possibility. It is this perspective that allows us to listen to ourselves, to
see how the pieces of our lives fit together differently than we might have
expected and that shifts our focus into one of clarity. If you watch what's
really going on in your life, you'd be amazed. In our quest for perfection and
our desire to meet our expectations, we miss much of what's available to us at
any moment.
For example, good ideas often come to me in the shower. During a recent
morning shower, an idea for another book popped into my head. My process was
interesting to observe: I was upset that I hadn't received an email that I'd
been waiting for, I was stressed and I was invested in the fact that things
should look a certain way. I knew that I was attached to an outcome and yet
still couldn't let it go. Then in the middle of my shower, several thoughts
converged in my mind and sparked the next book idea. I was ecstatic. If I hadn't
experienced that set of "imperfect" circumstances, I wouldn't have gotten the
idea.
How can you embrace imperfection in your life? Instead of asking why, ask
what and how. In other words, when faced with a situation that's less than ideal
or you want something you're not sure how to attain, determine what you want and
how you can get it. Understand the power of letting life unfold of its own
accord; allow yourself to notice the energetic flow around you and choose to
step into it.
Here are some signs that you've embraced imperfection:
- You find yourself laughing more often
- You experience more creativity in your life, more passion and greater
sense of well-being
- Your life has a richness, possibility or sense of joy previously limited
- You've come to understand that being messy is a good thing
Learn to discern what can be "good enough" in your life, what can be
imperfect and when excellence is required. Learn to distinguish between your
true standards of excellence and your standards of perfection. Lift the veil of
your expectations and see more clearly the beauty, joy and trust that were there
all along.
Harness the power of imperfection.
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Products & Services
If you liked today's issue, you'll love these services!
- Coaching with Claudette. What do you want in your
life? NOW is the time to identify what's next for you. Let's
explore career options, strategic focus and professional
development.
Please contact me today for more information and to schedule your
introductory coaching session. Reach me directly at
781.316.1923 or
claudette@metavoice.org.
- Looking for a speaker? I present regularly at
conferences, professional organizations and companies across the
country. I'd love to present at your next event. For more
information on my topics, style and contact information, please
visit here:
http://www.metavoice.org/presentations.
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Useful Resources
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