How Can I Stop Trying to Be Perfect? - Revised Expectations

In the meantime, then, it is unrealistic to think that you can be absolutely perfect.  In fact, you should expect to make mistakes from time to time.  (Romans 3:23)  Why, sometimes we are not even aware of our mistakes! Psalm 19:12 says:  " No one can see his own errors." (Today's English Version)  A youth named Matthew puts it this way: "You're not perfect-no one on earth is.  If you expect perfection of yourself, you're never going to be happy. . . . It's not realistic, it's not possible."

With that thought in mind, why not work on revising some of your expectations?  For example, are you wearing yourself out trying to be the very best at something? The Bible indicates that such an exhausting effort can, in effect, prove to be "vanity and a striving after the wind."  (Ecclesiastes 4:4) The fact is, fewer ever succeed at being the best. And even when someone does, it's unusually just a matter of time before another comes along who is better.

The apostle Paul advised:"I tell everyone there among you not think more of himself than it is  necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind."  (Romans 12:3) Be realistic!  Revise your expectations to reflect both your abilities and your limitations. Seek excellence, but don't see perfection. Set a specific but attainable goal.

For example, Paul encouraged Timothy to become "a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright." (2 Timothy 2:15) Yes, Paul encouraged excellence, but not perfection. In a similar way, set reasonable goals for yourself.  And if you're not sure what "reasonable" is, talk things over with your parents or another adult whom you trust.

Next time: Conclusion of Revised Expectations

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