Perfectionism and Precision

Intention: to release perfectionist energies and move towards precision and high standards, with remembering and feeling our human connection and love and support at the forefront. 

What's the difference between perfectionism and precision?

Short answer - perfectionism limits and constrains while precision inspires and focuses.

And why would this topic be relevant now in December, such a busy time of year? 
Well, our patterns get highlighted when stress levels rise. Which makes them more obvious, which then also helps us address them!

I remember when a music colleague first called me a perfectionist - maybe 20 years ago - and I was shocked. I seriously thought I was just doing what everyone needed to do to do their best. 

This is so common in people I work with - we think we're just doing what's expected and normal. But really, our commitment to perfection as an essential goal + an Inner Critic that goes wild when “mistakes” happen = perfectionism. 

It is normal to encounter perfectionism in our culture. That doesn't mean it's good for us on the physical, mental, emotional, or soul levels! 

We can aim towards precision and high achievement, while finding more balance internally. Here are some differences between the two:

>>Perfectionism would have us believe that we can be safer, receive love and connection, get the good award if and when we are perfect. Our worth relies on being perfect and being received as perfect. Perfectionism turns to our Inner Critics and other people's critics as the arbiters of merit.

>>With precision, there can be a high standard for results, but your innate worth is not dependent upon the results.

Precision can be seen as a Divine Masculine quality, launching the arrow with focus and intention into the bullseye.

We all have feelings come up when we don't hit the mark, but with precision, there is growth in moving through the feelings. 
Not achieving the desired result is information, a chance for learning, direct feedback about your skills or preparation or intentions and more. It's an opportunity to surrender to bigger energies, an opening to trust. 

With perfectionism, the feelings become a commitment to double down, get it perfect next time, an effort to avoid these terrible feelings ever again. 

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Perfectionism in creative and high intensity environments

This topic is on my mind as I enter the classical music world again after quite a few years. I'm one of the rehearsal pianists for a wonderful opera production, filled with loving and high achieving people. It's glorious to be showered with these voices and making music together!

AND I notice my perfectionism grooves showing up. Plus there's perfectionism in the air, as the training for classical music has a lot of distortion in its quest for high standards.

So many layers that contribute to perfectionism!

I've been energetically tending to all the many layers that contribute to perfectionism - releasing:
- good girl programming/ people pleasing
- solar plexus collapse (our center of power!)
- self worth based upon other people's opinions
- nervous system balancing
- cording and attachments bringing tension to my body, throat and shoulders
- soul level lifetimes when mistakes lead to disasters. 

Inviting in:

- balance between Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine energies
- creativity and flow
- permission for enjoyment and trust
- sharing love fields to everyone involved.

Addressing perfectionism is not a quick and easy fix. As you can see, a lot contributes to this issue. It permeates our society! It's everywhere! And so often our work or family cultures reinforce the perfectionist way of being, rather than the human, relational shared goals of precision with kindness and connection way of being.

The deeper we address these issues, the more magic unfolds. Perfectionism becomes the trailhead of healing childhood, untangling social programming and cultural norms, addressing ancestral and past lives as well. This one thing can blossom into relief and growth in so many areas of your life!

When stress levels are up, and perfectionism is one of your coping strategies, Inner Artist sessions can help.

If you’re new to Inner Artist sessions, you can either start with a free 30 minute Discovery Call, or you can dive right into an hour session.

One person called Inner Artist sessions “therapy on steroids.” There’s room for talking and feeling into what’s coming up. Your intuitions, knowings, and body sensations are key. And energy work helps move and release the feelings and energies faster and gently.

While Inner Artist sessions are good for anyone, I specialize in working with highly sensitive people and creatives. I get what it’s like to feel overwhelmed all the time and the need to hide from the world, or the need to hide your true self. And this issue of perfectionism + Inner Critic runs strong for sensitive and creative folks - the criticisms and mean energies in the world burn through in a deeper way for you and your heart.

I’m in this with you, for releasing perfectionism and connecting to the deeper truth of our gifts, inherent self worth, and inner compass aimed towards beauty and love.

With love to each of you,

Marta