I have a slight problem…I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I’m constantly working to break myself of that but it’s hard, so when I don’t get something right away, mess up or feel like I’m failing especially at something I’m working really hard at, there’s definitely an internal struggle.
It’s because of that struggle though that when I get something, it’s that much sweeter!
Last week was a huge week for me at CrossFit as I checked off two new accomplishments…my first handstand and my first rope climb!
I love the girls at “Dawn Patrol” (aka 5:30am) as they have really welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the group. They usually stay a few minutes after and work on something that wasn’t covered in the days class. One day last week they decided to work on their handstand push-ups. As I’m standing around just chatting with them, they asked if I wanted to try and I laughed and said “no, I don’t even have a handstand!” to which they ALL replied “Yes you do!” They eventually convinced me to try my handstand and after a few assisted (and successful) attempts, I tried one on my own and DID it! I was so excited and later that night I found a wall in my house and did it again, just to prove that I still could!
I had been close to getting my handstand for awhile so maybe it was the pressure of having the ladies around to encourage me that I was finally able to do it. But the real test and excitement came the following day when they wanted to work on rope climbs after class.
Now keep in mind, I have never been the girl who could climb a rope. When we used to have to do it in elementary school, it never happened, I just couldn’t. It was one of those things that I was sure would never be in my wheelhouse and I was OK with that…until I started CrossFit and put my eye on the prize.
The girls helped me get the footing and I started trying to climb…next thing I knew I was ¾ of the way up the rope! I was definitely scared (hello slight fear of heights!) but I was feeling strong and my adrenaline was definitely kicking in. I honestly believe I could have made it to the top except that I realized I didn’t know how to get down so going any further up without knowing how to get down was a bit more than I could bear.
I’m so glad the girls caught this moment on camera because I sometimes I still don’t believe that I did it! …but I did!
Because you see, it’s not about perfection. It’s not about making it to the top on your first attempt at the rope climb, it’s not about getting a handstand without help, and it’s definitely not about using the same weight as everyone else around you. It’s about acknowledging where you are and working to be better than you were yesterday – progress not perfection.
Are you a perfectionist too?
How do you battle your inner struggle?
Linking up for Thinking Out Loud!
I’m the worst. If I don’t get it right the first time I’m prone to quitting and saying I suck. Obviously, not the wisest response. lol but I’m working on this area in my life!! Running and training for marathons have definitely taught me a few things in the way of letting go of imperfections..
Oh man, running, race training and CrossFit have taught me SO much about letting go of imperfections, my ego, as well as many other lessons!
Sometimes I think we are the same person! Of course, most Type-A personalities are also perfectionists. It is part of our charm 🙂
Definitely a part of our charm! 😉
go girl!!! I so want to be able to be able to do that… come teach me!
OK!!! 🙂
Way to go! Climbing that rope is such a pain. It’s all in the technique though and you’re definitely getting it 🙂
I’m a perfectionist to a fault. It’s starting to get in the way of things so I’m trying to live in ‘TODAY’ and now and whatever happens happens. We’ll see how long I can last…
i constantly have an inner struggle with rest days. my body screams for one but my mind beats me up (revisit the perfectionist part of me) when i do take one. its a vicious cycle!
It definitely is about the technique of climbing a rope and that’s what’s the hardest for me to get but I know it will get easier as I get that technique down. Darn rest days…I need a lot of them this week… 🙁
Yep, I am actually battling this right now. My fitness is not where it should be right now, and it is really bothering me. I will be releasing a post tomorrow displaying my mental state and I think you will find it interesting, but I am going to try and take a leaf from your book today to relax and accept the process, I like you, know that when you do reach those goals, it feels SO much better because of the challenges!
Sweet, I’ll have to check it out! I took a rest day yesterday, tried to get back at it today and had a terrible run. My ego is definitely in a battle…