4 Things I Learned About Perfectionism this summer.
Planning has not always been natural, but I have learned to be intentional and not perfect in my planning over the years. I can look back on my schedule and see that there were many days and even weeks during this summer when I did not write anything at all; Still, that didn't stop me from being very focused. And I count that as a significant improvement in my life.
This summer, I could reflect on the goals and dreams I keep postponing due to my insecurities, and I took the time to consider the facets of my life that were limited by my fears.
And I want to share four things I learned about perfectionism and control this summer:
Control and perfectionism are ways I seek to preserve my life instead of surrendering it.
I want to be careful about my need for control, impatience, and perfectionism. Those are ways I seek to preserve my life rather than surrender it. It is building my “golden calf” in the desert while waiting. It's looking for my Ishmael when the promise is late.
2. Control usually leads to self-delusion and instant gratification. It consists of putting my trust in what I can see and touch.
While self-deception attempts to justify the means to achieve an end, instant gratification consists of seeking safety, comfort, and protection in what I can see, touch or CONTROL. Example: food, overwork, and anything that gives us an illusory sense of comfort and safety.
3. Control is a form of idolatry.
The most crucial lesson I'm learning this season is that control is an idolatrous form of self-confidence; it is self-dependence above God.
4. Being intentional is the goal, not perfectionism.
I’m learning to savor the freedom of being spontaneous, but that doesn't mean I'm impromptu. Instead, it means I can have a plan but still leave room for mystery without causing me fear or uncertainty.
Being intentional, not perfect, about my goals makes them more attainable, so, as part of this process of growing in confidence, I decided to retake my blog and podcast. So many times, perfectionism limits me from writing or recording so often. In addition, I've taken a leap of faith and chosen to publish more articles in English; it forces me out of my comfort zone, but I believe it leads me to trust God more.
I need to look at what I have done, not just how much I have done. I want to be able to recognize and honor God’s faithfulness in every season of my life instead of trying to take control.
It's not about doing everything; it's about choosing wisely.
Taking some breaks is okay and stepping back when necessary. It's okay not to win every time. It's okay not to be perfect. It's okay not to make a success out of every situation.
We need to learn to have enough self-control to know when to let go, but also enough self-confidence to know that we will come back stronger. The pursuit of excellence is an important skill, but when it gets in the way of our progress, we need to be willing to let it go.
That's why it's essential to learn to trust God in every season. He will teach us how to let go of unrealistic expectations, trust in the process, and live life with a more heavenly perspective.
Dear God, I repent for all forms of control, unbelief, and not trusting you. Forgive me and help me to identify the roots of fear behind my emotions of anxiety, impatience, and perfectionism. Help me to be humble in spirit while I learn to go from control to trust.
Let’s surrender our fears to the Lord; He will restore our true freedom. Please share this article with others to spread hope in these uncertain times. We can overcome our fears when we trust the One who loves us more than we could imagine.
