@MommaJo - I feel you! I struggle with "Sometimes good is good enough", too. I've gotten to the point where I focus on just 2 or 3 tasks a day - and I set the list out for the whole family to see. If Mini Me or The Bearded One choose to do one of them to help out, I just make a mental note to completely let that one go. It's OK if they don't do it "my way". I focus instead on being grateful that they are pitching in. I also have it set up now so that we are doing tasks more frequently, so if one week a spot gets missed it's very likely that someone will get it next week. 

MommaJo wrote:

How do we overcome the strong desire to be perfect (or as close as possible) in everything? Spending  too much time getting everything "just so", over-planning with too many detailed lists, or worrying about so many "what-ifs"  can be not only time-consuming, but paralyzing.

This is a big problem for many people. The trick is not focusing on ALL ASPECTS of a project at once...because when you do, there's too much to worry about. Choose a tiny part and work on that piece. Accepting "good enough is good enough" works for some tasks and projects. Some call for more attention to detail. It's important to know which projects to give that "perfection-attention" to and which don't really require it. There will always be "what ifs." Always have at least or or two back-up plans in place IF it's something really important. Maybe you can give us examples of what you're working on?

angelzink wrote:

Time management is something I'm working on. Blocking off "extra" time in my schedule around my tasks has really helped me out. First, since this essentially means I'm doing fewer things in longer duration it forces me to really focus on what's most important first. Second, I'm not nearly as stressed out because I'm not overscheduling myself and have set my expectations properly for the day/week. This one shift (do less, leave wiggle room) has made such a huge difference in my mindset. I can enjoy the task a little more (or at least not be all frazzled while doing it), and I find that I'm getting more done overall because I don't get overwhelmed and just do nothing.

Well said...and an excellent approach!

These are excellent reminders and suggestions, many thanks! Yes, perhaps it's better when overwhelmed, to take smaller bites at a time, and maybe try to choose smaller elephants with more wiggle room. Napping used to be a habit of mine, but maybe a short quiet time/catnap should be a higher priority when feeling stressed. Examples:  1. When company comes, what to clean, meal planning, activity planning, etc. 2. Paper piles and piles of family tree research. 3. Concern that if something would happen to my spouse, would I be able to run a household on my own? What to learn to do first. 4. Downsizing a house, in case I'd have to move alone. 5. Managing health issues, decisions about downsizing activities and which ones and how much...on and on. I'm reminded of a quote: "Don't sweat the small stuff." followed by: "It's all small stuff". Good to remember.


 

Last edited by MommaJo (1/13/2022 4:07 pm)