Snippets of Wisdom,
Number 67,
Presence,
Not Perfection.
Are you a perfectionist?
You get triggered into procrastination when you can't fulfill your need for perfection?
Do you feel the need to control every aspect of your life to present a perfect picture to the world?
I was considering this topic and wrote this in my journal.
Be here now.
People don't need your perfection,
They long for your presence.
Imperfect presence is far more valuable for influence than inauthentic perfection.
This was a light bulb in the soul moment for me.
People aren't asking for my perfection,
Which is contrived and inauthentic,
Because it's not who I really am.
People yearn for relationships with real people.
I realized this a few years ago when I started my first podcast.
Each podcast was a live presentation,
So there was no editing to make it perfect.
That scared me at first because I didn't think anyone would like the raw,
Unedited,
Imperfect version.
I have to say,
My guests were so at peace and easily opened up,
Owning their vulnerable conversations because I was totally present with them.
Many times my guests would tell me it was their first time as a podcast guest,
And that it was the best experience because I allowed them to be authentically present with their unique message.
Sure,
I didn't ask all the right questions.
I didn't always phrase my words right.
I'd stumble over my words,
Yet my guest and I were totally present in the conversation.
We were imperfectly present,
Rather than being inauthentically perfect.
I did my best,
And that was all I could do.
I realized that if I wanted to have a positive influence on my audience,
I'd have to give up my illusion of perfection.
My body calmed down,
My mind had more clarity of how and why I wanted to impact the world with more love and joy.
Once I released my resistance around being perfect,
My presence expanded.
As I practiced,
I got better and better at interviewing guests,
But perfection was not my goal.
Value was my goal.
Being of great positive influence was my goal.
Changing myself to affect change in the world was my goal.
Be okay with your imperfect presence.
It's far more valuable to everyone,
Including you.
People are longing for your presence.
What is your definition of presence?
It may be a good idea to ask others what they love and long for about your presence.
Take note about what they say.
Create a statement or two that align with your authentic presence.
Remind yourself of what others long for in your presence when perfectionism comes calling with its inauthentic message.
We all need this reminder and know that I am always speaking to myself first.
I hope my stories help you become more present.
Big hugs.
Marianne
