While working on an Enneagram workshop geared specifically for writers, this tagline seemed to fit well for Type Ones (also known as the perfectionist or the reformer) who get stalled out in polishing and perfecting instead of putting their work out in the world.
Although I’m not an Enneagram type One, I relate to this as a fellow writer and this tagline got me thinking about areas of my life where it would serve to me step out and act, to hit ‘publish’ instead of staying stalled out in analysis paralysis, fear of what others will think or chasing elusive state of perfection.
An area of me life that came to mind where I need to adopt the mentality of ‘published is better than perfect’ is in relationships.
When I have a friend walking through a painful season that isn’t something I’ve personally experienced, I get stalled out in now knowing what to say. I’m afraid of saying the ‘wrong thing,’ or saying something unintentionally insensitive, unhelpful or ignorant.
But instead go not saying anything and ignoring their pain, I’m learning to metaphorically hit publish’ even if it’s awkward and imperfect and show up by saying SOMETHING.
Even if it’s simply “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through, I don’t even know what to say” I want to be a friend who shows up and be vulnerable enough to say ‘I don’t know what to say’ or ‘how can I help?’ in a really painful season for a friend.
What small ways can you embrace the idea that ‘published is better than perfect’ in your own life by showing up today?