Embracing the chaos – an essential life skill
Perfectionism in one of its many forms keeps you from embracing the chaos
There is a Bruno in my head!
He's a perfectionist who holds me back from doing things. Let me clarify – I am okay doing a task imperfectly. I don't hold myself back from completing a task because it's not perfect.
In my case, perfectionism manifests as a need to have the perfect environment and facilities to perform the task.
Bruno (like Goldilocks) needs everything to be just right! If not, "then abandon the task!" he screams. This is how my conversation with Bruno goes.
Me: I want to dance; it's been a while.
Bruno: Then you need to go to class, you can't practice at home.
Me: Okay, I'll go to class.
Bruno: You can go only if the car is available.
Me: Relax, it's available!
Bruno: Don't forget that you absolutely need to start an hour before. 45 minutes to drive and 15 minutes to warm up.
Me: I don't think we have that much time–
Bruno: You can't do it today. Forget about it.
Me: What if I left immediately now–
Bruno: No.
Me: But there's still time to make it on time if I drove fast!
Bruno: You'll be frantic and lose your peace of mind. Is that what you want?
Me: Alright, I'll drive slow but shorten the warm-up–
Bruno: Forget it. You will struggle through the first half of class if you don't warm-up and then get dejected that you're not dancing well.
Me: Okay, then should I leave it for today? 😔
Bruno: 💯
You see, what he convinces me to do?
Here's what I've realised, Bruno: It's alright, even if it's frantic for a day, just do it. It'll be worth it in the end. I'm never going to regret showing up. I understand the value of designing my environment to favour my desired lifestyle. But life has a habit of going out of balance and being chaotic every once in a while. The only way to not let that disrupt your flow is to embrace that chaos and tell yourself that it's okay to just show up and do the best on those days.
And when Bruno starts rationalising these excuses, just say "Silenzio Bruno!".
Thanks, Luca for inspiring me to Silenzio my Bruno.
P.S. Watch Luca if you haven't already. You will not be sorry!