Welcome friends, to “breadcrumb” number 31! It’s been seven months since my first blog on Project Breadcrumb Trail. As most of us do when we decide to start a project, I laid out a perfect plan ahead of time. I mapped out some content and set aside a dedicated time to write each week’s blog. I stuck to the plan for the first month or so, and then, as most can relate to, life happened and I deviated from my plan.
As a self proclaimed recovering perfectionist, I own the fact that a lot of the stress in my life comes directly from the amount of pressure I put on myself. The need to control kicks in and the desire for things to be in order often mentally exhausts me. I figure the more I can plan and control, the closer to perfect I can get .
Working for a large corporation in the past afforded me the opportunity to participate in various trainings where I got to learn and understand my personality profile. I learned how it impacted my work and my interactions with others. Long story short, I’m a type A personality and a large “I” small “D” according to every DISC assessment I’ve ever taken.
(I = Influence, D = Dominant)
Last year, at my first Bible Study session, I also learned that I was a “painter.” Our leader was describing her own personality and the level of detail she tends to share when communicating. “Painters” give a lot of detail and are very thorough. “Pointers” on the other hand, give the details that need to be shared and usually don’t elaborate much more than that. Painters paint the whole picture and pointers point to a spot on the picture. Painters tend to be long winded and can make our pointer friends anxious for us to get to the point!
If you’ve followed me on the Breadcrumb Trail from the beginning, you’ll have seen my painter personality in the length of each week’s blog post. You may have asked yourself, “where is she going with this?!” Don’t worry, I’ve often asked myself the same question! Let me “point” you in the direction of where I’m going today 😉
I learned that my type A personality and ultra detailed work as a painter, often led to me working around the clock or spending time on something that took away from what should have been the main focus. (Like the “perfect” image for a presentation vs what really mattered, the data!)
Over the years I (thankfully) learned that sometimes “finished” is better than “perfect.” I’ve learned that if we drive ourselves insane trying to control and make perfect every aspect of our life, we often miss the present moments and the God winks. The problem with this is, that is where the perfection actually lies, in the hands of God.
When we are trying to turn everything into our version of “perfect,” we are in a sense taking away God’s ability to show us the perfection in His plan for us. I’ve learned that when we try to control everything, we actually interrupt and block His (perfect) plan for us.
When I catch myself freaking out that it’s Friday afternoon and I’m still working on Saturday AMs post, I remind myself that “finished” is better than “perfect.” I remind myself that my biggest victory is knowing that I didn’t quit or skip a week in fear that my final piece wasn’t what I considered perfect. I remind myself that whether or not I feel my work is good enough, I am worthy and perfect in His eyes, which are the eyes that matter the most.
God has eliminated our need to chase after perfection, because He made us in His image; His perfect image.
Whether you are a painter or a pointer, remember, there is only one perfect painter, and that is our Creator. When we give up our need for control and perfection, we open the opportunity to experience the perfection He has planned for us. He has our whole life’s picture painted through His perfect vision.
Go ahead, let go and let His perfect vision guide you down your true path to perfection.
“As for God, his way is perfect. The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in him.”
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May God bless and protect our country and everyone reading.
Love this. I bet you figured out that I am a painter but definitely not a perfectionist. Hugs Jean
Hi Maria,
Today’s post really spoke to me…..Gordon, especially, thought it did, as well. I really enjoyed reading your article. Thank you.
I’m glad you enjoyed my imperfect post ☺️
Thank you, Sandi. I’m glad it resonated with you both. This topic is a constant work in progress for me!