Inspired by NaBloPoMo writing prompt for Monday, January 27, 2014:
What puts more pressure on you: time constraints or achieving perfection?
Those who know me well probably won’t be too surprised to read this, but I’d have to say that while both time constraints and achieving perfection are pressure-causing situations, the quest for perfection tends to be a bit more of an issue for me.
Time constraints are frustrating, certainly… but I take the attitude that I can only do what I can do in the time available, and that’s going to have to be good enough.
But when I have time, that’s when the pressure to achieve perfection starts ramping up. When the clock isn’t ticking there is time for edits, and re-dos, and giving it another shot to make it better. When I’m not worried about a deadline, I can keep poking away at finessing something that’s probably good enough already… but not quite perfect. When I don’t have to have something right away I can spend hours searching every store available for exactly what I want, never settling for second-best (ask my husband about my “thing” for the perfect purse, wallet, and (now) Filofax. I’ve learned to go shopping for such items alone!).
Yeah, I should probably learn to relax a little. But it’s so very satisfying when something comes together just so, that I’m pretty sure I’ll continue to deal with the self-imposed pressure caused by the search for perfection.
How about you?
Are you more pressured by time constraints or a need for perfection?
Please share!
Time constraints! There is just not enough time in the day to do all I want to do. I know I am not perfect…no one is…why worry about it. I just want to get as much done and experience as much as I can each day!
Pam recently posted… New Jeans, New Glasses, New Day!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 27, 2014
I hear you! There is definitely NOT enough time in the day.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 14
Twitter: 1951
January 27, 2014
It’s ME. I put pressure on myself. My “shoulds”. Yep. But since I’m a “pressure performer,” it’s all good. 😉
Carol Cassara recently posted… When customer service goes right. Mostly, anyway.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 27, 2014
Oh, the “shoulds” will get you every time. I hear you.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 14
Twitter: CascataNerina
January 27, 2014
I work better under time pressure than I do under pressure to be perfect. I put enough of the latter on myself, that I’m never done with a project. However, if I put restrictions of time in place then I do a lot better.
Casi recently posted… A Baker’s Dozen of First Contacts
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 27, 2014
It often does seem that the pressure is coming from ourselves!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 14
Perfection is a word I decided to give up as it always conjured up more than I can live up to. So now it’s beautiful, not perfect; or ideal, not perfect; excellent, not perfect. Releasing perfection makes it easy to live within any time constraints.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 27, 2014
Sounds very wise to me!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 14
Twitter: a
January 27, 2014
Laurel, I must say that I’m dealing with that now. I’m a little of both but I think that my perfectionism is keeping me from making the progress on my book (deadline). I’m afraid it won’t be good enough so I hesitate. Today is the day I change that about me!
Amy Bovaird recently posted… My Deaf Watchdog
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 27, 2014
I totally get that!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 14
Twitter: Wordwrights, Ink
January 28, 2014
Most definitely time! I LIVE by the clock!
Diane recently posted… Deja Vu
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 28, 2014
I hear you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 14
Trackbacks: