An Antidote to Perfectionism

Do you often find yourself struggling to make decisions about your home? 

It’s easy to fall into the perfectionism trap when it comes to designing and decorating your dream space, especially if you’re anxious to achieve a certain look or feel like your home is finally ‘complete.’

As someone who struggled to overcome perfectionism, especially early on in my career, I remember this feeling well. The fact is, perfectionism is counter-productive, and at worst, keeps us from embarking on a new project at all out of fear of never achieving the desired result. 

Creating the best version of your home isn’t about attaining some imaginary picture of perfection — it’s about being present, connecting with the process and embracing all there is to appreciate right now, in this moment.

This means that instead of getting caught up in trivial details, you can refocus your valuable attention, time and energy towards what really matters. 

Here are three benefits of shifting to a mindset of progress, not perfectionism when creating your dream home.

1. You’ll be more present

If you think your home has to look ‘perfect’ every moment, you’ll spend all your time and energy scanning for every little thing that’s out of place. Instead, remember that creating your dream home is a journey, not a destination. By seeing your home as a work in progress, you can give yourself permission to be present instead of constantly looking to the future. 

2. You’ll be able to enjoy your home now

If you’re putting off enjoying your home because you’re worried that it isn’t suitable or ‘good enough’, know that your space is already special because it’s yours. Your home is the one place where you can feel safe to express yourself fully, try on different ideas, and connect with the people who matter most. 

The best time to host, entertain, or make new memories is right now. Set the table, light the good candles, and invite friends over for a simple meal. Make the most of what you have and embrace all the little imperfections that come with the process of creating a space you love.

3. You’ll be more adaptable to change

A ‘perfect home’ that is finalised all at once, in one big rush, leaves no room for the future. What can be added to ‘perfection’? Homes need to be fluid so they can evolve as you do.

By focussing on progress over perfectionism, you can make more intentional changes that allow your home to breathe as you go. The end result is a home that is more adaptable to each new chapter of life, and has what you need in order to feel nurtured and supported when you wake up each day.

Put it into practise.

Take a look around your home. What are 3 things that make it special or unique? 

It’s often the imperfect elements that give a home beauty and soul. 

To help you identify your home’s unique story, and learn how to create a home from the heart, I’ve created a step-by-step resource based on my best-selling book: This is Home: The Art of Simple Living.

Click the button below to download your free copy of the workbook: 10 Foundations to Create Your Dream Home.