Embracing Imperfection, The Blank Book Conundrum
Posted on November 09, 2023 by Cathryn Noyes, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Messiness, mistakes, imperfection is a part of life. That's OK.
Sorting through clutter on my desk recently, I discovered a lovely blank journal. It had been a gift, given to me nearly four years ago. The cover was a rich, luxurious leather that felt smooth to the touch. When I opened it, it was completely blank, untouched by ink or pencil. So many clean, white pages.
Rummaging some more, I uncovered 15 more blank books, each one as empty as the first. Pure, empty canvases, eagerly awaiting the touch of a pen. As I held one of the journals in my hands, I couldn’t help but feel a strange resistance. It was as if I was hesitating to mar the perfect whiteness of those pages with my words, as though they were somehow unworthy of these pristine books.
I recognized the reluctance as part of a larger problem. I tend to be a perfectionist, and while this drive can propel us to greater achievements, it sets an impossibly high standard, because perfection doesn’t exist. The beautiful blank journals on my desk were symbolic of this quest for unattainable perfection, a reminder that sometimes, we need to embrace the imperfections, scribbles, and unfinished stories in our lives.
I often encounter this mindset in my work with clients. Perfectionists often exhibit a reluctance to tackle new tasks unless they already excel at them, so they can miss opportunities to take risks or develop new skills. Fear of failure can be a formidable barrier, deterring them from venturing beyond their comfort zone, resulting in missed opportunities.
No one excels at something the first time they attempt it. Whether it’s walking, riding a bike, writing, or doing math, proficiency comes with practice. Would you expect to create a masterpiece worthy of the Louvre on your first attempt with a paintbrush? Unless you are a prodigy, probably not.
Reflect on this quote from the author Octavia Butler: “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” I find this sentiment truly powerful.
Consider the story of the renowned lubricant, WD-40. Do you know what WD-40 stands for? It’s “Water Displacement – 40th Try.” This very popular product underwent many iterations and failures before becoming the success it is today. What if the developers had quit after the 38th or 39th attempt? Their belief in their ability to ultimately succeed propelled them forward. They didn’t attain perfection on their first, second, or third try, and so on.
Don’t let perfectionism hinder your journey of learning, growing, and trying new things. Embrace the fact that you are an ever-evolving work in progress. Mastery of new skills comes with persistence and practice.
Enjoy the journey. Write in your books. We’re not meant to lead a meticulous, pristine, and perfect existence. Life is a blend of messiness and beauty, brimming with delightful errors, joy, and surprises.
