Day 17  ❍ Done is Better Than Perfect

Years ago, I filmed my first yoga videos.  The timing felt right. My intuition said yes. So I hired a professional crew, they brought in fancy lighting, we had hair and make-up, and I had my wardrobe all set.  I had a vision and I was ready.  I paid $1500 and I shot three short videos intended as practice videos for my students.  

When the rough cut came back, I was thrilled—it was happening!  The ball was moving forward.  

I eagerly took the rough cut over to a friend’s house to show it to her.  She was also a yoga teacher and had a film background. I figured she would be the perfect person to share my special project with.  I sat there as she watched the footage.  Her response was something akin to disgust. “Why did the DP shoot that angle on you?”  Her voice pitched high.  “There’s so much ass in these shots! I’m sorry, Alex, but what was he thinking? Oh, Alex, it’s just so much ass.”

This went on for awhile.  

I offered a meek, “well, we only had two camera angles during the shoot.”  I was devastated.  

After that conversation, it took me a year and a half to summon the courage to post those videos.  Sure, it took some time to do the voice over and the other pieces of post production.  But, mainly I spent time obsessing — trying to figure out how to crop and edit the video to minimize my offending ass.  My intuitive instincts were rattled as my sixth chakra constricted. So I spent a lot of time procrastinating.  While there is a lot to unpack here, one of the biggest lessons I realize in remembering this story is how caught up in perfectionism I was with this project.  Which is to say, I was very attached to what other people think.

The Toxin of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is an important toxin to address on our Yoga Body Cleanse.  It shows up in different forms for different people. It can manifest as a result of impossibly high standards, harsh self-criticism, relentless work ideals, or the weight of social conditioning.  At its core, it’s often tied to shame and a fear of judgment.  And here’s the insidious truth about this toxin: perfectionism wants you to not be seen.

In her groundbreaking Ted Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, Brené Brown speaks to the importance of vulnerability as it relates to shame.  She connects perfectionism as being a component piece to how these things relate.  She often will says that "when perfectionism is driving, you have shame riding shotgun with fear in the backseat."  That fear can create an immobilizing grip on us that leads to procrastination.  Brown says:

“Perfectionism is a 20-ton shield.  It’s a way of thinking that says:
’If I look perfect, live perfect, and work perfect, then I can avoid or minimize criticism and blame.’”
— Brené Brown

Releasing Perfectionism

This is where spiritual teachings come in.  We break free of this transactional belief system that says ‘in order to have this, I need to do that. ‘ But how do we do this?

As we find ourselves in a state of perfectionism, we bring in awareness.  We release the grasping to what we are trying to perfect.  As soon as we begin to release this grip (aparigraha), there is space for us to shift. 

Beneath the botox, the perfectly curated post, and the job well done, we go deeper into a remembrance that we are enough in this very moment.  

Facing the holding pattern of perfectionism, we find ourselves at a turning point to excellence. Your version of excellence.  The version that knows you are whole—and that being brave means putting yourself out there… and sharing your gifts with the world.  Your version is not energetically air brushed.  It’s real and it’s vulnerable.  For me, it’s a version that wears short shorts at 53 because I simply don’t give a fuck anymore what other people think about my fine ass.

As former COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg said, ‘Done is better than perfect.’   So with a brave heart, we go deep as we clear the toxin of perfectionism.

JOURNAL 

  • Identify an area that is activating perfectionism.  Is it preventing you from finishing or doing something?  Can you reframe this so that you strive for your own version excellence rather than perfectionism?  What would that look like?

  • Write a letter to anyone or anything that has ever blocked you or caused you to shut down your creativity.  

  • What are some ways that clearing a tendency towards perfectionism might open you up to your intuition and balance your sixth chakra?

ACTIONS

  • Do 80% - Not only can this be more effective in many cases, this can increase productivity and give us access to more creativity. 

  • Done is better than perfect.  What is something you are willing to put out there?

RECIPE INSPO

No-Bake Vegan Golden Milk Mini Cheesecakes

Deliciousness from the Clean Program! Vegan mini cheesecakes with a golden milk twist. Gluten-free, raw, and no-bake, these cheesecakes are packed with clean ingredients but taste like an indulgent treat.

 

Contest 🏆

Attend all 21 classes in 21 days, and you’ll be entered to win an exciting prize! On livestream days, you can participate live or complete the session on demand—it all counts.

On Demand Video ✨ Your 30-minute practice will be posted at 12:00 AM each morning.

Did you know, did you know? Tomorrow is the most important class to come to! You’re doing amazing. 

Next Livestream Class: 🌟 Saturday, January 18th 🧘🏻‍♀️ 9:30 AM *with special guest, Yotam Agam playing a LIVE Soundscape during class!