 "A little progress each day adds up to big results." ~Satya Nani As I dive deeper into writing, I’m reminded of the significant power of words. The Bible offers many verses that prod us to reflect on the weight that our words can carry:
Words can make, break, or shape us. They hold the power of life and death, so it makes sense that we should take careful thought into the locutions that leave our lips. Along these lines, there’s a word that has permeated my vocabulary for some time. It comes up frequently in my schoolwork, occupation, relationships, and extracurriculars. Recently, I have become aware of the influence it can have on our lives. What is this word, you ask? Perfect. What exactly is the matter with this word? How does its use impact our perceptions of ourselves and the world? 1) It’s vague. The word “perfect” doesn’t tell us where we want to go or what we have to do to get there. To make improvements, we want to use more measurable terms that make it easier to determine betterment. I’m sure there are many words that achieve this purpose (I’d love your ideas on which ones may be more useful!), and I have one to share later on in this article. 2) It’s not helpful. When you try to reach an impossible standard, you set yourself up for failure and disappointment. If you set smaller, more realistic goals, you are more likely to seize them. This way, you work up to where you want to get. Did you know that your brain loves to achieve goals? Nerd time; get ready. Our brains communicate via chemicals called neurotransmitters. A specific neurotransmitter known as dopamine regulates pleasure, maintaining attention, and motivation. When we accomplish a task, big or small, our brains are stimulated, creating feelings of pleasure. It’s in our brain chemistry to desire that feeling of achievement. We can use our own brain chemistry in our favor by setting small, feasible goals so that we can get that dopamine rush and increase motivation over time! 3) It shifts our focus. This word can slowly take away our joy in the journey and make us more destination-centered. When this happens, it’s hard to be content with where we're at, because we start to think only of where we want to be. This future focus hinders our ability to seize the opportunities right in front of us. When we're only focused on where we could be, it’s impossible to enjoy where we are. I’ve decided to exchange this covertly damaging word for a new one. It’s a word that meets all of the aforementioned standards. It’s more specific, is actually helpful, and allows us to better focus on the present moment. What is this magical word, you ask? Progress. No matter where we are in life, progress is always achievable, whereas perfection never is. This word gives us the space and grace to make mistakes and learn from them rather than carry the weight of shame. When we take up this word, we offer grace not just to ourselves, but to others. We also become role models for others who struggle with perfection. James 3:2 says: “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” God doesn’t expect perfection from us. Instead, He asks for growth. We are invited to fix our eyes on the One Who is Perfect. Rather than anxiously stumble toward the elusive and unachievable goal of human perfection, we can live in the shadow and grace of His perfection as we aim toward progress in our own lives. Questions for Reflection
Photocred: Wikimedia Commons
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