“The universe doesn’t give you what you ask for with your thoughts, it gives you what you demand with your actions.” – Dr. Steve Maraboli
Do you put pressure on yourself to be perfect? It’s interesting how that same desire to be perfect will often have you fall victim to inaction or even paralysis by analysis.
Have you ever found yourself caught in the all or nothing conversation? You know….. You start on something, have a set back then give up because you feel that you’ve failed. “All or nothing!”
Unfortunately, the pressure we place on ourselves to look good, never make a mistake and keep up with the Jones, is what contributes to feelings of anxiety or self-doubt regarding taking the risk and embracing innovation. Let’s face it, to advance our business we are required to step into the unknown and take imperfect action. It’s scary and it makes us feel vulnerable.
Fortunately, it is imperfect rather than perfection that is needed. The willingness to embrace fear and failure, not only reduces the self-imposed pressure, but I have learned that it is the secret to success and the access through the doorway of becoming great. So, stop waiting for the fear to subside because it won’t. Remember, imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. So, just get started!
Watch my interview with my friend Fozia Murtaza as we explore why KNOWLEDGE although seductive is not power. Learn why we must get out of the classroom, off our computer and take imperfect action for transformation to occur.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ―Dale Carnegie
What is “imperfect action?”
“Imperfect action” is to begin moving towards your goal even when you don’t have all the steps figured out. It is to believe that each step you take will provide you with valuable information and reveal your next step. Although the first step may feel like a leap of faith, once you get started and surrender to the learning that is available in the process, it is easier to stay in motion.
In her interview, Fozia shares that her access to taking action required that she adjust her mindset. Here are 5 key strategies she used to shift her mindset and begin to take the consistent imperfect action needed to step and live beyond her comfort zone.
1- Make a Decision. The first step is to accept that you’re in a place that you don’t want to be. Accept that this place is no longer working. Now you are at a point where you are able to make a decision to change.
2- Rewrite Your Story. This is to begin to unpack the events of the past that are holding you back and keeping you stuck. It is to understand that the story you created and have been living into was created in your mind only. Take a leap of faith, create a new story and trust you can handle whatever is going to happen.
3- Look Beyond the Discomfort. Brene Brown (Power of Vulnerability) says one of the reasons that we choose not to be vulnerable with ourselves and with other people is that we are so conditioned to feel ashamed of so many things. But, when you’re actually willing to look and say, “I’m just going to look, and I know it’s going to be uncomfortable”, the reality of the situation is not as bad you think.
4- Give Up Perfectionism. No one can possibly be perfect; that is what makes us human, however, you have to accept that perfection is unreachable. Being a perfectionist makes it hard to find the courage to try something you have never done before in the fear that you will fail. Understand that growth is messy and sometimes you will not look good. Instead, embrace your mistakes, celebrate the lesson so that taking imperfect action becomes a catalyst for your success.
5- Become Solution-Focused. Oftentimes, as you get caught up in the busy day to day you don’t take time for yourself. That quiet time and solitude you need to really focus on what your purpose is. When you slow down and focus on creating time for solitude and reflection you are able to take informed action.
Success and leadership begin with first mastering the mindset, emotions and communication of the person you see in the mirror. Register for your Complimentary Mindset Mastery Mini-Course!