I wonder how often you’ve heard the advice, ‘Imperfect action is better than no action’.
Certainly in the world of female entrepreneurs, this kind of statement is made all the time – by mentors and coaches, as part of e-courses and programs, I’ve even used these words myself (many times!)
It’s almost become a badge of honour, ‘Hey, I take action even though I know it’s imperfect!’
The idea of not waiting to take action is great, but recently I’ve noticed that the use of the word ‘imperfect’ really bothers me.
Words are so important in the work I do.
The words we use when we talk about ourselves, either out loud or in our minds, are hugely powerful. Each one sends a message both to ourselves and out into the universe, saying ‘This is how I see myself’.
The definition of ‘imperfect’ is: not perfect; faulty or incomplete, faulty, flawed, defective, unsaleable, unfit, inferior, shoddy, below par.
So, when you use the word ‘imperfect’ about yourself and the action you’re taking, what kind of message are you sending out?
‘Hey universe, I’m starting before I’m ready (even though my creation is pretty shoddy!’)
‘I’m being brave and taking action, (but deep down I believe I’m inferior to everyone else out there.)’
‘I’m stepping up and putting myself out there, (even though I know I’m flawed in some way.)‘
Quite frankly, f**k that!
As soon as you get it into your head that you, or what you’re doing, is imperfect, you’ll feel restricted or limited in some way.
The fact is, if you decide to take action, if you decide to create something and put it out into the world, then it is PERFECT. It can’t be imperfect, because it simply reflects where you are right now.
In this moment, you are perfect. In this moment, whatever action you take is perfect. In this moment, whatever you create is perfect.
You cannot be imperfect at being you! You can’t get being you wrong.
Be you, take your action, create what you choose to.
You are perfect. You are glorious. You are perfect as you are in this moment.
So, from now on, how about you choose not to compare yourself, the action you take or whatever you create to anyone else’s idea of perfect?
How about choosing to tell yourself a different story?
How about choosing to see yourself and everything you do or create as perfect, as beautiful, as just right in this moment?
Let’s stop with all this talk of imperfection. Choose to celebrate your uniqueness.
You are perfect.
