Progress Over Perfection

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These days, it seems like just our normal day to day life is difficult. Remersion into our ‘normal’ lives post 2020 is hard – really hard. What is the correct way to rebuild your social life? How do I work with clients, when I have Zoom fatigue? When is the right time to launch something new? I’m here to tell you, friends, there isn’t a perfect answer for anything. There isn’t a perfect timeline, there isn’t a perfect way to conduct business, and there isn’t a perfect answer for the questions we have right now. 

But you know what, you still have to move forward. You still have to grow your business and you still have to keep moving. 

I read a quote by Dr. Peter Nieman the other day that just stuck with me, and honestly, was the inspiration for this blog post, “Moving forward is one of the most important decisions we can make in life, because it allows us to grow, learn lessons, have more energy, enjoy more peace, and overcome adversities.” 

My initial thought when reading this quote was, how often do I get stuck in the past that I can’t even see the things that are 10 feet in front of me? I really just have to take a small leap and I’m right there. 

The problem with this, is that our past is meant to shape us. We are supposed to learn, grow and then just keep it in the rearview mirror. If you keep looking in the rearview, you will miss the view that’s right in front of you. 

My second thought after reading that quote, and maybe the most crucial thought, was how often I am afraid of the results, that I just stop. I am afraid that I won’t be good enough or the things I execute won’t be perfect, therefore I just don’t do them. 

How often do we cower and tuck our tail between our legs because we are afraid of perfection? Let me tell you something friends, perfection only exists in the face of Jesus. So don’t worry about it, you’ll never be perfect anyway (; 

Honestly though, perfection really doesn’t exist. We find ourselves so afraid of something that really isn’t achievable, that we just stop and stand still. Isn’t reaching “greatness’ good enough? Isn’t that worth making the jump? 

Then, you know, if the jump doesn’t work out the way you intended it to, then let’s go back to the first point. You jump, you fail – then you learn, you grow and keep it in the rearview mirror. And then you jump again! 

This blog post is so full of cliches, I know. But I also know that I am not the only one who struggles with fighting against progress. Let me leave you with this, I hope these verses encourage you the same way they have with me… 

“Have I not commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CSB

“Therefore, my dear brother and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 CSB

We love you, Coworkers! We constantly pray for you and want to see you excel in everything you do, but don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game… okay, I’m really done with the cliches, I promise!!