I just hung up the phone with a group of my private clients. We get together as a group regularly for an open conversation about what’s going on. It gives them a chance to connect with each other and me outside of our regular coaching sessions. The minds of many are often so much more powerful than just one.
One of the things that came up today was procrastination and perfectionism. They are tied together. We joked (actually they joked and I cringed) about my own habit of procrastination when it comes to my newsletter articles. They always go out on time but why does it take so much effort to sit down and write them? Why does it seem like I never know what to write about? Why isn’t the inspiration there when I need it? Why do I have to do them anyway?
As we were talking about perfectionism I related a story about a woman I met at an event. I had my book, Chaos to Cash, with me. The book is a series of strategies about getting projects started and most importantly finished. There are about 250 strategies in the book and each strategy stands on its own. Personally I think some of them are better than others.
Typically when I meet someone and show them my book I have them open up to any page in the book and see how the strategy on that given page hits them. So back to the event. I handed the book to this woman and she opened the book. She read what was on the page and started to cry. I realized how powerful that strategy was for her and of course was curious what it said. I looked at the strategy that she had read and was shocked. It was one of the strategies I viewed as weak and uninspiring.
So here’s the thing. You never know how someone else is going to react. Get it done, get it out there. Let the people who need it have it. I’m so happy I included that strategy for her. It’s not about it being good enough for me; it’s about it being good enough to help someone else.
Here’s my advice…don’t wait for perfectionism. Don’t wait for divine guidance or that perfect inspiration. Do it and get it done.
There…this article is now done and here’s a shout out to my private clients who teach me so much every day and made this article happen (in 6 minutes).
Where has procrastination and perfection been stopping you? Please share with me…it may just help someone else, too.
Leave a Reply