Living an Imperfect Life

I was in a discussion with a few people the other day about perfectionism. They were surprised when I mentioned that perfectionism often keeps us from moving ahead in certain areas. It is actually often the underlying cause for such things as hoarding, and while I am in no psychologist, I imagine it could be the reason for milder forms of agoraphobia.

This doesn't make sense, they said. But when you think about it, it does. A perfectionist wants everything perfect or nothing at all. I have actually had to deal with this in terms of cleaning my house. I wanted to have every tool available to me, and have copious amounts of time to deal with the task at hand, or I wouldn't do it. I learned, instead, to take pleasure in completing a small task. One part of a room, for example. Or perhaps, cleaning and waxing the floor (I actually enjoyed doing that before I left the old house).

As for the agoraphobic parts - well, I know I can be outgoing, but I do know that I am the one generally who has kept myself home. I had every excuse - I didn't know if the car would make it, I was embarrassed about my car, or my clothes, or my weight. Going out a little at a time helped me with this, too (granted, now I'm without a car, so I do have an excuse. Of course, this is when I want to get out!)

I guess I am learning that I can accomplish a great deal, as long as I am aware that I can't accomplish it all at once. Little by little does the trick.