Tande-ism: Perfection is a lofty goal, that is, until it stops you in your tracks. Tandelyn WeaverClient Coaching Session: Recently, one of my clients said she could not decide between two potentially successful business opportunities (let's say Plan A and B). While she felt very positive about each, she seemed to talk more enthusiastically and confidently about Plan B. When I made her aware that everything in her conversation seemed to lean in that direction, and she was naturally talented in that area, she agreed that it made sense to pursue Plan B. Mind you, we had discussed this same topic several times before, but she had not made any progress.
Additionally, she had done excellent research and knew lots about each business. But within a few short minutes, we were right back where we started and she said she could not make up her mind.
So, it became clear that something else was operating here. It was not the business, per se. But what was it?
Coaching Moment: I asked if something else was going on? As a single mom of 2 young children, she had been living off her savings and was getting down to the last 4-6 months of money. After a few more questions, my client suggested that she couldn't risk losing money especially if she couldn't really be sure if everything wasn't going to work out perfectly.
So there we were, "perfectionism" had sneaked in and had a stranglehold on her!
Challenging her to look at it from another perspective, I asked, "What if everything worked out successfully, how would you feel if you had not pursued this opportunity?" Her silence said it all. "Really disappointed in myself." I asked, "Do you want to still give your dream a chance?" Yes!
Further questioning gave way to clarity. Because she had been smack dab in the middle of a hazy conflict, she felt timid about taking the first steps. She knew she could do this, but she was simply paralyzed.
She needed to structure a positive support system around her. Therefore, I asked was there someone who'd walk with her through the initial steps. She had a good friend who filled the bill.
She called her friend who excitedly agreed to support her by accompanying her to some of the initial meetings and helping her get set up. Now, she is off and running!
Perfectionism is just enough of a goal to make the pursuit of it quite challenging. It creates a "gray" zone, when you are trying to make "black and white" decisions. Trying to be perfect can literally stop you in your tracks. Perfection, anyone? Run in another direction!
Tell me: What is hazy for you? Where in your life is clarity needed?
Step into your greatness!