Chapter 1: The Joy Thief

We've all experienced it—delaying our dreams because we fear they won’t meet our standards. Perfectionism robs us of joy by hindering our progress toward our aspirations. While it may seem like a protective shield that keeps us safe from failure, it often traps us in inaction, preventing us from learning through our mistakes.

Margaret Atwood once remarked, “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” This statement deeply resonated with me as I embarked on my writing journey.

From a young age, I found solace in journaling my thoughts and feelings, which has been incredibly therapeutic. I aspire to write a book and develop courses, despite having no prior experience or knowledge about the process. Yet, here I am, welcoming the chaos and discomfort that comes with it.

I am grateful for platforms like Medium, which have allowed me to advance my writing endeavors. Perfectionism seeks to keep us stagnant, but I may not have all the answers regarding book creation or course development; what matters is that I am taking action.

In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Ether states:

21 And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

Here, Ether suggests that we don’t need perfect knowledge before taking action. This is a comforting thought—faith is about acting even when we lack certainty.

So, if you find yourself caught in the perfectionism trap, consider these insights:

1. Waiting for perfection may prevent you from even beginning.
2. Embrace discomfort; it often signifies growth.
3. Allow yourself to revel in the chaos of trying new things and chasing your dreams.
4. Recognize your courage in taking steps forward, even without complete understanding.

Let me pose a question:

Will you let perfectionism prevent you from sharing your gifts with the world? Will you hold off on pursuing your passions until you feel completely prepared?

An Example of Childlike Faith

I admire my husband’s fearless approach to life. He dives into new experiences, often surprising me with his willingness to embrace the unknown. His readiness to try new things has propelled his progress, while our fears of discomfort can stifle our growth.

During our courtship, he lived in South Carolina while I was in Arizona. He insisted he wouldn’t relocate without a ring on his finger. Despite having a stable and successful life, he left everything behind to pursue our relationship. That, to me, exemplifies true faith.

We dated for a few short months, and luckily, our paths aligned, leading to our marriage on March 5, 2022. He moved to an unfamiliar location and began working for a solar company, learning everything from scratch. His childlike faith inspires me.

Another significant experience that tested my faith was becoming a parent. Throughout my pregnancy, I faced uncertainty. Each week brought new challenges, from the physical changes in my body to the labor process, which I feared would be overwhelming. Daily, I navigated the uncharted territory of motherhood.

Recently, my baby received her four-month vaccinations, and the doctor mentioned she might be teething. I had no idea what to expect. While I dislike seeing her in pain from shots or teething, my love for her drives me to care for her without hesitation. Motherhood has its challenges, but there's no room for procrastination. I cherish the opportunity to learn and grow each day as a mom.

Although my experiences of marriage and motherhood differ, both require a leap of faith. I pray for the strength to maintain faith in the unseen and hope you find the courage to pursue your dreams, no matter what life throws your way!

Thank you for your time.

— Let's keep learning together!

-Shayla

Chapter 2: Insights from Faith Chang

In this chapter, we explore the journey of overcoming perfectionism through the lens of Faith Chang's experiences and insights.

In her video, "Fighting Perfectionism & Finding Peace," Faith Chang shares valuable lessons on how to find peace amidst the struggle with perfectionism.

Additionally, in "Peace Over Perfection: An Interview with Faith Chang," she discusses practical steps to embrace imperfection and the importance of self-acceptance.