Hello friends,
I am excited and a little nervous about planning my upcoming free discussion. We will talk about how to let go of being perfect so we can be more creative. This is great for writers, artists, and people who want a more intentional life.
I feel overwhelmed, because I want to write three more newsletters, make social media posts, plan the event, and practice with my friends. I want everything to be perfect, but I know I need to relax and not try too hard.
I’ve been reducing my stress with these two reminders:
For each item I work on, I don't need to give 100% effort. I can do 80% or just the most important 20%.
At the event, I’ll focus on making people feel welcome. This is the most important part.
My perfectionist self likes to anticipate all the things that could go wrong, identify ways to prevent them, and add these items to reminder checklists. This is one reason why I tend to overprepare and obsess about the details.
Two Role Models
When I worry about the possible problems that could occur, like if something goes wrong or I forget what to say, I think about two people from my past:
One is Darlene the Fun Specialist. She was at an event I attended twenty years ago. Before the event, she was screaming orders such as “The balloons are angled wrong. It’s supposed to look like a rainbow arch!” Looking back on the situation, I realize that she was consumed with making everything perfect. But she forgot that the most important thing is how you make people feel.
When I lived in Wellington, New Zealand, I went to events at the Alphabetica Gallery. The artist/owner Jill Larmer taught us to make elegant calligraphy letters with gold ink accents. Jill was always organized but relaxed. I asked her how she did it. She said, “I focus on three things: tasty snacks, a clean bathroom, and making people feel welcome.”
I am a very organized person. And, I’m continually working to reduce my perfectionist tendencies. Whenever I get nervous about the discussions I facilitate, I remember these words:
People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
So, I plan up to a point and then let go. The most important thing is making people feel emotionally safe, included, and listened to.
As a host, my presence is a gift too. I don't need everything to be perfect. If I am too worried about details, people won't have a good time. It's better to focus on being myself and projecting warm, friendly energy to others.
Free Event on Saturday, April 6, 2024
Do you struggle with perfectionism?
How do you encourage your creative muse to pop into your life with her gifts?
On Saturday, April 6th, learn how these two questions are related.
Gain easy tips to pivot your life. Free registration until Friday, April 5th.
Best wishes,
Jenny