This is a devotion that read last week about perfectionism. I thought it was interesting and wanted to pass it along. I know that I’m a perfectionist at times, and that it can be good or bad, depending on what it’s about. Some things I want perfect, while others I don’t care so much about. Sometimes, I can really drive myself nuts trying to get something perfect. I’ll stay up late working on something, or take much longer to do a project, because it has to be just right. I’m sure most of you can relate in some aspect to this. The devotion gives some interesting insight into this behavior.

Bob Gass Ministries

11.10.04

Are you a perfectionist?

Have you ever met a perfectionist who was truly happy? Probably not! Whenever things must always be a certain way, life can make you pretty miserable because life constantly changes. Instead of being grateful for their blessings, perfectionists tend to focus on what’s wrong, and their need to fix it. It could be a disorganized closet, a dent in their car, a job they did that was less than perfect, or a few pounds they’d like to lose.

Or it could be someone else’s imperfections: the way they look, the way they behave, or the way they live their lives. The very fact that perfectionists constantly dwell on flaws, makes it impossible for them to be grateful - for gratitude is at the core of happiness!

This has nothing to do with striving to do better; it has to do with fixating on what’s wrong! Sure there’s always a better way to do something, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life the way it is at the moment.

“What’s the cure for perfectionism?” you ask. Catch yourself before you fall into your habit of insisting that things should be different than the way they are. Gently remind yourself that life is okay, and that - in the absence of your judgment - everything will work out just fine. Why? Because God’s in control! Start dealing with your need for perfection by developing an attitude of trust and gratitude. When you do, you’ll begin to discover how wonderful life really is.