This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. It’s an opportunity to join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single word prompt to free-write, unscripted and unedited, for five minutes.
This week’s prompt :: Pressure
Sometimes I need to learn to heed my own advice that it’s about progress, not perfection. Recently, I joined forces with a friend of mine to launch a 30 Day Declutter Challenge. The idea was to spend approximately 30 minutes a day decluttering an area of your home.
It wasn’t about a major reorganization project but rather a simple declutter. Little bite-sized pieces of cleaning up with the goal to simplify your space and clear your mind. It was specifically designed not to feel overwhelming, and one of the hashtags we use is “progress not perfection.”
We started on April 1, but with weekend plans for Easter, I found myself behind by Day 2. I tried to catch up—and did to a certain point—and then had to go out of town. That’s four more days I’m not at home checking my daily challenges off the list. The pressure to perform has been mounting. After all, I helped hatch this plan, and now here I am, failing to get every day right.
However, while bemoaning my plight to a friend and sharing the pressure I felt about returning home to my list of un-done declutter challenges, she offered these words of wisdom:
“The goal is to make your life more organized so it is more enjoyable, not to punish yourself for living on the other days. Rather, when you return, you will note that you have already made progress and have a good place which to begin. It is a 30-day program; why must it be consecutive?”
Yes…Yes…Yes! Her words shifted my perspective immediately, and the pressure I felt melted away. I’ve been quick to tell others that it’s about progress, not perfection, so why wasn’t I willing to apply that to my own journey?
I’ll be back home this weekend and will make a plan to catch up and restart. I’ll probably get behind again before our 30 days are up, but next time, I’m going to {hopefully} let my own advice—progress, not perfection—guide me, rather than pressure and guilt.
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Trisha, Thank you for sharing this inspirational post. I see what your saying, and what a great lesson to be had here. Blessings.
Visiting from FMF#8
Thanks for your kind words, Paula! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.
I have often gave up because I felt like I was too far behind on something. I like your friends question of why progress had to be consecutive. I like the idea of giving ourselves and others grace instead of guilt. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Thank you, Jolene! I loved her perspective, as well. It was such a fresh perspective. I hope you, too, enjoy your weekend!