Saying No to Perfectionism

It's not your job to be perfect; it's your mission to be real.

Whenever I plot a new book, I kind of freak out because, hey…what if it's not good enough this time? What if this story is awful? How can I possibly live up to everyone's expectations?

Well, the truth is, I can't. Neither can you. Not one of us can live up to anyone's expectations because we're human, we're broken, and we are not God. It might seem freakishly negative to dwell on those sentiments, and it is, but there's a positive side as well. Realizing that you're fallible takes the pressure off trying to be perfect.

Whatever big task you might be facing, give yourself permission to aim for perfection all the while knowing that you will likely fall short of that goal. And that's okay. That's what being brave is all about.…doing something even when you're afraid to do it.