The Inspirational Story of "The Dot"
Once upon a time, a child named Vashti felt she couldn't draw, but her teacher encouraged her just to make a mark and see where it takes her. This small act led to a journey of self-discovery, showcasing that it's not about creating the perfect art piece but rather about starting and seeing where it leads. This story from "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds is a perfect metaphor for anyone striving to overcome the shackles of perfectionism. Here is a link to the video/story.
My Journey from Perfectionism to Embracing Excellence
As an ADHD coach, life coach, and someone who is neurodivergent, I've navigated my fair share of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was overcoming perfectionism, which often clouded my ability to see and celebrate my achievements. Today, I want to share more about my personal journey with perfectionism and the liberating shift towards embracing excellence. Growing up in two different countries presented unique challenges, especially when it came to writing. Navigating through the complexities of both English and Farsi, I struggled with grammar and spelling in both languages. This struggle was compounded by what I now recognize as undiagnosed dyslexia. While I always had a wealth of ideas swirling in my mind, the act of putting them down on paper was daunting. I would often lose track of punctuation, misspell words, or even forget key parts of a story. There were times when I meant to attach an important email, and I'd realize too late that I had forgotten.
These repeated mistakes fed into my perfectionism. I became overly critical of every word I wrote, fearing judgment and misunderstanding from others. This self-imposed pressure didn't just affect my academic performance; it seeped into my personal life, where the fear of making mistakes made me hesitant to express my thoughts freely.
A Lesson from "The Dot"
Inspired by "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds, I learned a valuable lesson about creativity and growth. The story of a young girl who discovers her artistic talent by bravely making a mark on a blank page resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that sometimes, the simple act of starting—imperfectly but boldly—can lead to unexpected and beautiful journeys. Just like the girl in the story, I learned that making your mark, however imperfect, is far more valuable than waiting for the perfect moment.
Understanding Perfectionism in ADHD
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism
For those of us with ADHD, perfectionism isn't just about being detail-oriented; it's a burdensome quest for flawlessness that can paralyze us. This constant striving for the unreachable can rob us of the joy found in our achievements and the lessons from our failures.
Shifting to a Focus on Excellence
Excellence, unlike perfection, is attainable and sustainable. It encourages continuous improvement and growth without the unrealistic expectation of flawlessness. By aiming for excellence, we learn to appreciate our journey, acknowledging that each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
Strategies for Embracing Excellence
Set Realistic Expectations
Understanding that perfection is an unrealistic goal is crucial. Defining what excellence means to you in various aspects of your life can help set achievable objectives.
Learn from Mistakes
Mistakes should be seen as opportunities for growth. Each error provides valuable insights that can lead to significant improvements. Embracing these moments can transform your approach to challenges and enhance your learning. For more on learning from mistakes, check out this article.
Practice Self-Compassion
Being gentle with yourself is essential. Remember, it's okay to have limitations. Treating yourself with kindness and understanding can significantly impact how you tackle challenges. For more on Practice Self-Compassion, check out this article.
Prioritize Progress Over Perfection
Focus on making progress, celebrating each step forward. This mindset shift is vital for long-term success and can alleviate the pressure that comes with trying to achieve perfection. My first ADHD Coach shared a memorable quote: "I'm not here to be right, I'm here to get it right." This phrase, originally from Brené Brown, struck a chord with me, and I've since made it the wallpaper on my computer. It serves as a daily reminder to focus on making progress rather than striving for perfection. This mindset shift is crucial, especially for those of us managing ADHD, as it emphasizes the importance of celebrating each small victory on the path to long-term success.
Seek Support and Accountability
Building a support network of friends, family, or professionals can provide the necessary encouragement and perspective. Sharing your experiences and challenges with others who understand can be incredibly supportive.
Conclusion: Your Path to Excellence
Shifting from perfectionism to excellence isn't just about changing how you work; it's about changing how you view yourself and your achievements. As an ADHD and Executive Function Coach life coach, I've seen firsthand how embracing imperfections and focusing on continuous improvement can lead to fulfilling and successful experiences.
If you're struggling with perfectionism and need support, remember I'm here to help you excel in the areas that matter most to you. Don't hesitate to reach out for a journey toward excellence filled with growth, progress, and self-compassion.
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