Perfection is the number one obstacle when dealing with shame. The basic premise is: If you can’t do it perfectly, then don’t do it. Shame keeps one from doing something mediocre or less than perfect. To risk looking silly or foolish or not the best can be very difficult. Therefore, it is often hard to take on a new skill. We have to start from the beginning and that usually is clumsy, awkward, less than pretty!
Just for the fun of it, make a list of things you have been “sort of” interested in, or have at one time or another thought of “trying.” Then look at what got in the way from you doing that. Do this with curiosity, and be very gentle with yourself. Notice how many things were not done or started because you did not want to be in the messy beginning stage.
Perfection can be quite the kill joy. It can be the reason that people look back on in their life and say, “I wish I had done that.”
Personally, I don’t want perfection to keep me from moving into the unknown. I want to boldly step into new, even if I crash, or look silly.
The song I sang for the “Pyromaniac Cafe” was, “If I Were Brave.” It is by Jana Steinfield.
Google the song and listen. I sang it for myself and also for my audience. I think it is a great way to step out of the perfection of shame and into a richer, more fulfilling life.
Have fun!