Today we’re talking about the one thing that’s keeping you from taking action and moving forward.
Have you ever said something stupid in a job interview and then think, “There’s no way they’re gonna hire me.”
Ever looked at your watch wrong on a date and totally missed the movie and then think, “Yeah, that guy’s never gonna call me again…”
Ever show up to a party waaaaay under-dressed and think, “Those people are never going to be my friends…”
We get so many messages about making sure everything is perfect before we present ourselves to the world. And then it’s ingrained in us that perfection trumps everything.
I would think things like…
I can’t wear that dress until I lose 30 pounds.
I can’t record a video because I say “like” and “so, okay” and “ummm” too much.
I can’t show my website to anyone because I don’t like my picture. I can’t get this sidebar quite right. This spacing is off. I’m not in love with my colors.
So what do we do?
Nothing. We do nothing.
We stick to the things that are perfect and tell ourselves lies that keep us in our comfort zone
Lies like:
I look better in jeans.
I can record a video, I’ll just spend 15 hours editing out all the parts that aren’t perfect.
If it takes me this long to get my website looking exactly how I want, how am I ever going to teach people to do it?
These lies we tell ourselves are so damaging. This perfectionism keeps us from taking real, meaningful action.
Sure, we’re working. Editing videos for 15 hours is a lot of work. Tweaking images and fonts and colors and spacing is intense and takes time.
But we are getting absolutely nothing in return for that time. No brilliant ideas forming. No feedback to tell us if we’re heading in the right direction. No relationships started.
So I challenge you that for every perfectionist-y thing you do, do two other things that will grow your business.
Because spending 15 hours editing video really doesn’t matter at the end of the day. I could have spent that time cultivating relationships and creating content.
I want you to know that there’s a difference between putting your best foot forward and chasing perfection. Chasing perfection is a waste of time.
It’s so much easier to be confident when you’re being your authentic self.
Today’s pep talk is brought to you by Bluehost. Go to www.shannonmattern.com/bluehost and get 36 months of web hosting for just $2.95 a month. That’s less than one trip to Starbucks a month – and if you’re anything like me, you’re at Starbucks more than that!
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