Dear Friends,

Being a perfectionist is a terrible way to live! That perfectionism robs us of peace and makes us feel tired! We can never attain the level of perfectionism that we are seeking because it is impossible. What happens when you think you have reached it? You stand back and gloat! Then dare someone to mess it up.  Let’s look at these character flaws that are created when you live with rabid perfectionism.

Impatience – We want everything to be done right now!

Martyr – You complain that no one ever helps you.

Arrogant – The truth is you don’t want help because it won’t be not good enough!

Self-Destructive – We set ourselves up for failure.

Stubborn – I can do this all by myself! I don’t need help!

Self-deprecating- We are best at this! Beating ourselves up!

Perfectionism is a vicious cycle that keeps our family stuck and our home in CHAOS! When you let go of your perfectionism, you open the doors to fun and peace.

Our perfectionism keeps our family out of the so-called “perfect” spaces. You know exactly what I am talking about. When you get the kitchen clean you threaten them if they mess it up. You don’t even want to cook; much less let the children help you. You are too afraid of a mess. This is a shame because you are not teaching your children the things they will need to become adults.

You are also not teaching your children about their family traditions. Exiling your family from the kitchen or other rooms says something not so nice; that you don’t want the family around you.

Your perfectionism bites you in another way! You tell yourself that you don’t have time. What you are really saying is that you don’t think you have time to do the job right! You were taught this by your parents. Remember when they told you if you can’t do it right; don’t do it at all! This is what has caused you to procrastinate your whole life. We live by a new rule.

Whenever you hear yourself say, “I don’t have time!” Stop right there and set your timer for 2 minutes! Those two minutes are going to change the way you think! Doing 2 minutes is better than nothing!

You can do this! Letting go of your perfectionism is going to open up your home to more love and peace! You might even be able to rest without thinking you have to do one more thing.

FlyLady