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In this week’s episode of The Art of Personal Growth Podcast, we’re back to our normal 30-minute shows. I sat down with Laura Reagan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. She also hosts a podcast, Therapy Chat, and like me, is a bit of a perfectionist. We had a great conversation about everything from perfectionism to the power of mindfulness, and becoming aware of one’s own emotions so that we can help others (both professionally, and in our personal lives).
Be sure to listen to the whole episode to hear our full conversation, but here are four important words that we talked about. If you don’t embrace these words in your vocabulary now, Laura makes a great case for why you should. Check them out below.
“Imperfection”
the state of being faulty or incomplete…
Gosh, imperfection is a scary word, isn’t it? Especially when we use it to describe ourselves.
In our discussion, Laura and I discussed The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown. As Laura points out, there’s an amazing power and freedom in realizing you can accept imperfection in your own life – especially if you’re a perfectionist (or recovering perfectionist, like me!).
“Vulnerability”
easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally…
Laura and I spend a lot of time talking about how important it is to be vulnerable in our lives. Not just in a “I’m going to cry in front of you” way, but also being honest and open about how we feel.
With our therapists, our spouses or partners, our family members and friends, and even with strangers, vulnerability is a powerful way of connecting with others. It requires a state of openness, learning to be resilient to shame, and developing our own sense of worthiness for good things in our lives.
“Authenticity”
the quality of being authentic or genuine…
Underlying much of our conversation was the topic of authenticity. Laura and I discussed how as perfectionists, we often feel the need to exercise control over things – answering that one-more email will help us feel better; ticking off those few more to-dos will some how make us happier.
We all know that this actually does the opposite: we end up feeling stressed and unfulfilled, because we’re not embracing our true selves: our imperfect, vulnerable, authentic selves, exactly as we are. By learning to create space for your authentic self, you tap into a deep well of contentment and happiness – because you’re not trying to be anyone other than YOU.
“Self-Compassion”
extending compassion to one’s self in instances of perceived inadequacy, failure, or general suffering…
Throughout our entire conversation the idea that Laura called “mindful self-compassion” was emphasized. It means becoming aware of our own faults, flaws, anxieties, and needs, and finding compassionate ways to sooth ourselves… rather than beating ourselves up.
Adding self-compassion to your personal vocabulary means it’s okay to make mistakes, and stumble along your personal path. It means that you learn healthy ways to deal with stressful situations, and also how to comfort yourself no matter how the perfectionist plan you may have in your mind actually ends up going.
Thanks for Listening!
As always, thanks for joining me this week; I hope you’ll take the time to listen to the entire episode and hear more from Laura on each of these concepts.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave an honest review for The Art of Personal Growth podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful to tailoring the content of the show and I read them all! They also matter in the rankings of the show.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it on the social media! This week’s hashtag is #TAoPGP29.
P.S. Don’t forget: I have a special webinar happening THIS week! Here are the details:
5 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Boost Your Happiness (in as little as 5 minutes a day)
Sign up now before spots fill up. I can’t wait to see you there!
