Crushing Fear – Day 3 – Perfection

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.

— Elbert Hubbard —

Fun Fact

A couple of years ago, I decided to pursue a passion I’ve had for years and signed up for drum lessons.

Playing the drums is hard! More than once, the thought has entered my mind to give up on this new ambition because “I’d never be good enough.”

I’m wise enough to know these thoughts of giving up were based on my desire to do things perfectly…but thankfully, I’m old enough to know I will never be able to play the drums like John Bonham or Neil Peart.

I aim to learn enough about playing the drums to enjoy the hobby.


Fact

Perfectionism is a tool the enemy uses to paralyze us, stunt our growth, to get us to give up.

I often wonder how many people give up when they are just one try away from succeeding.

Spoiler Alert

Perfection is not humanly possible. God would not have sent His son to die for us if perfection were attainable.

Most successful people have failed a lot more than they have ever succeeded. It’s not failure that destroys dreams–it’s fear of failure brought on by self-doubt–doubt that whatever we do will not be good enough.

There is nothing wrong with practicing for perfection, but expecting perfection is unrealistic and will drive you or others around you crazy–or drive you to give up.

A Nugget of Wisdom

I heard this little jingle years ago and still say it to myself today:

“Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is your best.

Said differently–strive for progress, not perfection.

Slow and steady ALWAYS wins the race…

 

And by the way, God does His best work through our imperfections…I write from experience.

Reflection:

What beliefs, thoughts, and actions cause you to struggle with perfectionism and, in turn, doubt your abilities?

Read and reflect:  2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Isaiah 40:31, Proverbs 3:5-8

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

P.S. If you know someone who may benefit from walking with us on this Lenten journey, please forward this writing to them.

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