Before you think I am going to be political with this post, I am actually thinking about DIY projects, perfection, and kids.
I've shared with you before I am working on a couple of backyard projects and several of them require building. As with most DIY projects, there is an acceptable level of tolerance allowable that might be different than if you were hiring a professional to install and finish your cabinets. For example, the dirt box I built to help hold dirt on the side of my house didn't really require precision measuring, but the posts for my patio cover required a little more accuracy. However, even those had an acceptable level of tolerance (so don't look too closely if you come over).
That got me thinking that having an acceptable tolerance level is actually a great antidote to perfection. If I needed everything in my backyard to be perfect, I would still be working on the very first project, not moving on to the next one (kind of like the GETMO idea). While that may be true for projects, it can be a bit more challenging with people!
This is where the kids come in. Most first-time parents recognize the desire for everything to be perfect, and the quick crashing in of reality! You want everything to be just right, or as they grow, for them to do things the "right way," but you soon discover that when you allow for an acceptable level of tolerance, they may not be doing things wrong, they are just doing things their way (which might not be the same as your way). Kids helped teach me that if I let go of my ideas of perfection, and I am willing to embrace an acceptable level of tolerance, I discover the beauty of their individuality and what helps them be their unique selves.
In what areas of your life might you be able to use an acceptable level of tolerance to let go of perfection? Could it help you actually discover the uniqueness of someone in your life instead of thinking they are just wrong? How might you apply an acceptable level of tolerance to yourself, and could that help you take some steps forward instead of waiting to make sure you don't mess up?
Here's to finding an Acceptable Level of Tolerance this week!
Be Well,
Stephen
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