As some of you may know, I’ve become quite a fan of the book The Confidence Code. As I was plowing through it the other day, I was stopped dead in my tracks by this statement:
Perfectionism keeps us from action. For example, we don’t answer questions until we are totally sure of the answer, we don’t submit a report until we’ve line edited it ad nauseam, and we don’t sign up for the triathlon unless we know are are faster and fitter than is required. We watch our male colleagues lean in, while we hold back until we believe we’re perfectly ready and perfectly qualified.
How true is that in your own life? It’s definitely been the reality of mine at times.
The authors also mentioned that according to recent research, the majority of men will apply for a job they feel 60% qualified for, but women need to feel 100% qualified to be confident enough to apply.
This needs to stop. We are missing out on way too much while we await perfection.
I remember feeling nervous when I was trying to decide whether to move to London or Chicago four years ago. My Grandpa, the wise man that he is, told me that I may never be 100% sure of any decision in my life, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t take risks or that things won’t work out. Sometimes, life requires you to leap before you feel ready.
So how do you make a change and let go of that need to be perfect? The answer is as simple as taking a step and remembering that perfect shouldn’t be the end goal.
This week, if you feel that you may be qualified for a job or interested in an opportunity, take it. You are ready now. And if you have a few things to learn along the way, then that’s what training is for – or even the Internet! That feeling of being perfect may never come so stop waiting. Plus, I guarantee, you’re already more ready and “perfect” than you realize.
So seize the day instead of waiting for perfection, and please let me know what steps you take – I’d love to hear about your successes!
And if you need a little support along the way, that’s what I’m here for so get in touch at info@iheartmylife.com.
