I follow various blogs and today I was reading through some older blog posts and hit one on Seth Godin’s blog … it totally struck a cord with me. Here it is if you want to check it out
Seth’s perfection post
The jist is this – the idea of attaining “perfection” can hold you back or even freeze you in your tracks. Although Seth’s post pertains to a business context, I’ve heard this same sentiment more than once before applied to just about everything in life. From the tiny task to the life changing big deal task/project/etc.
The idea of perfection in our heads keeps us from even trying to do whatever it is we desire to do … because we can’t possibly do it as well as the perfect vision in our mind.
So my “doah” moment was when I realized that yes, indeed – I’ve had this idea in my head of what a bloging photographer should be…yes, you are following me … a “perfect” version. I would have to be witty, insightful, and creative – all presented in a very polished professional way that wouldn’t offend anyone. Well, guess what … that isn’t exactly me.
I’m more quirky than polished. For example, my dirty secret is that I sort of have a potty mouth. Yes, I swear (yeah, I know I’m children’s photographer…how unprofessional!) …but before you all go comment crazy …don’t freak…I don’t do it in front of my client’s children, silly! I regularly use code …for the nasty words. And adopted some new ones for use in front of my kids (dren and frill… I’ll let you all work those out…). In recent years I’ve adopted the word bugger ….because well, here in the states people just don’t see it as that offensive. Lucky us
So what is my point? Yes, I do have one. I’m letting go of my “perfect” image of what and how to post on this blog. I’m letting go of the over thinking freeze up mode. I’m just going to, bugger it all, and be myself.
I want to challenge you all to identify one thing this week that has you trapped in the evil unrealistic “perfection” cycle. It can be anything….cleaning your house (if you are an easily distracted like me – try flylady.net It’s basic, but oh, so effective!), learning to paint, learning manual mode on your camera, or waiting for your whole family to be perfect (your daughter’s braces are off, you’ve lost that pesky 15 pounds, your husband finally has given up the idea that his mohawk is still cool and got a current haircut, and the dog has finished obedience school) BEFORE you have a family portrait done.
Giveway Time!!!
If you post a comment below you get in on the random giveaway! One winner will be randomly selected on Friday (and because I’m working at home with my boys and will certainly get distracted, you have until 12 noon EST 8/20 to post your comment and be eligible for the giveaway) . Photog winner gets a Storyboard template. Clients/follower winner…. a Simplicity Session give away!
-meg
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