My life as a Type A Perfectionist

It's been almost a month since I published my last blog post. I am very disappointed in myself because I have some WONDERFUL blogging ideas (so I think).

I have come to terms with the fact that I don't publish posts enough because I am a perfectionist. I have ideas of what I would like to post, but I want to choose a topic that is interesting and clever, but cute and simple. I want to make sure that I have enough time to sit down and write a post with meaning and without error.

My whole life, I have been a perfectionist. It really stems from me being a first born child. I can also blame my parents for raising me well and making me ambitious, determined, conscientious and achieving.

I was recently diagnosed (officially) with being a perfectionist when reading a book, "Born to Win" by Kevin Leman. This book, a gift from my parents, is about first born children and how they are more likely to be perfectionists. There is a quiz in the book that diagnoses your level of perfectionist tendencies and I am undoubtedly a Type A perfectionist. AWESOME!



What I know about being a perfectionist is that I like it. That characteristic is what makes me succeed, and I wouldn't change that about myself.

But, now I am wondering, what is "perfect" to me? What does perfection mean in my life?

The first thing that comes to mind is Jackie O. Classic beauty.



She is flawless. In fact, that's what the image is titled (I pulled it off Google).

Too often, we think of perfect in terms like what I think of perfect. We see pictures of Jacqueline Kennedy, Reese Witherspoon, J Crew clothing, Tory Burch shoes.. Okay, so this might be a sorority girl perspective of perfect, but the point is that we see perfect as appearances!




Perfection is what Jesus Christ exemplified. How He lived His life, and how we are supposed to live ours following Him.

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32

In terms of perfection, we should be seeking moral perfection, perfect fellowship, God's perfect will...



I think I'll start to pursue being perfect in the way the Lord intended, by living this quote a little better on a daily basis:

"Be kind and merciful. Let no one come to you without coming away better and happier." - Mother Teresa

I will work to be a bucket filler for other people; being uplifting and helping others in ways that I am able, even if that means simply smiling more often!

Today is International Women's Day. Let's be a little less critical of ourselves and remember that perfection is NOT a perfect appearance, but is to work to be more like Jesus.

Oh, happy day!