“Don’t Half-A$$ It” & Being Just Okay
Well, everyone is different. But, if you’re a perfectionist, the worst advice ever is “don’t half-a$$” something. I used to totally agree with that advice. For example, when my nieces and nephews were young, I went from seeing them three times a week to once every couple of weeks (when I went away to college). I felt horrible about it. I missed them so much, but I also felt badly that I wasn’t going to be there for them as often. Someone put it in perspective for this Sicilian Auntie when I was told “seeing the kids every couple of weeks is still A LOT.” Good point. They turned out alright. Now, any time I hear someone say “I’d love to do such and such, but I don’t want to half-a$$ it,” I cringe. I get it. Mastery is admirable. But, what if you were just expected to do something to the best of your ability? What could be possible for your life?
The Benefits of Being Okay
I’ve made so many strides by doing my best – – which isn’t always great. But, I show up. Little by little, I get to where I want to be. For example, I started my coaching company right before the recession while I was working at another job. A few years later, my Dad was diagnosed with ALS and died within a year. Needless to say, I didn’t think I was rocking in my life juggling several priorities. I could have closed my coaching company many times as I sat in the hospital with my Dad on my iPad looking over my work. But, then I’d get a message from a client saying how much they appreciated our work together. Those moments were gold for me and my Dad. I still remember his warm smile when I shared my updates with him.
Additionally, I was modeling behavior for my clients that they admired. While my Dad was sick, I would take some coaching sessions from my childhood home where my Mom and Dad still lived. During one session, the landline kept ringing (yes, they still had a landline:-) and I had to tell my Mom. I felt like I was being so unprofessional taking calls from my bedroom like a teenager. When I apologized to my client, she said the most remarkable thing. “Thank you for showing me that it’s possible to be there for your family while working in a career you love.” This client is now a fulfilled, working Mom:-) I know that isn’t the case necessarily from that one conversation, but I was happy to see her perspective on my “half-a$$ing” my career.
Tips on Being Okay
So, if you’re ready to be “kind of” good at going for what you desire in your life, below are some questions to ask yourself and examples of answers that can support you in being just okay and living your dreams:
- What is a small step I can take?
- Can you squeeze in an hour a day to conduct a job search or start your own company?
- What do I need to believe to keep going?
- Being “good enough” (versus perfect) can still get me where I want to go.
- Who can support me?
- Reach out to friends to support your growing business by asking for referrals or just words of encouragement.
- What is the reward?
- List out how you can benefit from taking small steps, focusing on empowering beliefs, and gaining support from others.
Answering these 4 questions can help you navigate through the ups and downs of life. You’ll get farther with this approach than if you never start. Warning: You’ll actually start getting results. So, for you perfectionists, no more excuses. Good luck at half-a$$ing it!
If you want support in figuring out how to move past your perfectionist mindset, sign up for a complimentary consultation here.
