This year I am regularly tutoring my children in Maths. I call it “attitude class”. One of the biggest roadblocks is not their ability, but their attitude. In fact, they are each highly capable, yet what keeps one of them from progressing is perfectionism.

PERFECTIONISM

• “I can’t do it.”
• “Everyone is better at this than me.”
• “I don’t know how.”
• “It is ALL wrong.”

The inner voice of perfectionism is poison. It accentuates the negative and eliminates the positive. Perfectionism confidently whispers, “That stumble is catastrophic.” “That failure is final.” “Practice is meant to be quick and easy, you must be doing something wrong.” “You can’t do it. Give up. Take it easy. Stay comfortable.”

PROGRESS

• “I can. I will. I must.”
• “I can learn new things.”
• “Every mistake is an opportunity for growth.”

The inner voice of progress requires intentionality. You must speak into yourself that desired future. Analysis paralysis must surrender to action. Practice then Perform then Practice then Perform then Practice then Perform… pretty soon Progress. Put that pencil to the paper!

I think many of us would benefit from attending “attitude class.”