Excellence, Not Perfection!

I've had perfectionistic tendencies most of my life.

That's what happens when you're the eldest American-born child in a German immigrant family. 🤷🏻‍♀️

So when I heard this distinction it immediately resonated with me.

The goal isn't perfection. It's excellence.

Yes!

Excellence is (still) a remarkably high standard. It means caring deeply about your work and striving to do your best work(!). Whether I'm designing a leadership workshop or choosing the herbal teas I offer clients who visit my office, I want every detail to reflect excellence.

Excellence doesn't mean flawlessness.

It simply asks,

"Did I give this my best?"

I also realized something else.

Perfection is driven by fear. Excellence is driven by purpose.

Fear worries about getting it wrong.

Purpose is focused on creating something meaningful.

What a profound difference.

I am very appreciative for this reframe. On some level it is very liberating. 🫶🏼

No, I'm not a perfectionist, well not anymore anyway 😆.

Yes, I am an Excellencist.

I finally have the right word. And mindset.

❤️ Heidi