Today I am discussing from of my favorite points in the book Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. It is a book so many friends recommended to me. I am going to give you some of my favorite points throughout the book with the hope that you will enjoy some perspective shifts and takeaways.
[1:31] I dig right in and share how Shauna opens the book discussing her life. She says, “I ate on the run, slept in my clothes, worshipped at the alter of my to-do list…” Referring to the to-do list portion of her quote, I compare “What do I want to do today?” or “What do I choose today?” vs. “What do I have to do because everyone is counting on me?”
[4:05] So what is this journey of present over perfect? Shauna explains how she had to unpack some beliefs that were deeply engrained in her life. The idea that more is more is one many of you may relate to. I share how I did not know how to rest when I suddenly allowed myself free time. I had to ask myself “What is it that I WANT to do?”
[6:47] So where do we start? She shares an example about oil and vinegar. We all need to pour out the “acid” in our lives, the things that hold us back and/or bog us down. Whether it be via prayer or therapy, conversations with those in our worlds. This has been very powerful in my life and I have learned how special the oil is underneath.
[9:15] I share another takeaway: “Saying no!” I understood the concept of saying “no” but had trouble figuring out what to say “yes” to. Sometimes when you start to say no or “prune” things out of your life, it feels bare at first. When you rebuild, it is important to open up space, time, energy, bandwidth, to determine what you want to say yes to.
[11:29] When brave looks boring! “Brave doesn’t always involve grand gestures…sometimes the most beautiful thing we are doing is invisible and unsexy.” I share how I felt many times that brave and figuring out what to say “yes” to was incredibly boring. I learned to keep it simple and learn about myself.
[14:29] “Let ourselves be seen, just as we are…the ache for perfection keeps us isolated and exhausted.” The process of being present over perfect involves deconstructing the life you are living, then learning about ourselves. We need to ask ourselves: “What do we want?” then the third part is holding ourselves accountable. I share an example of when I put my phone away for 3 hours and the impact it had on time I spent with my kids. I was present and able to identify what is important, not only to us, but the other people in our world, too.
[18:16] The idea of “new fuel” was most impactful for me. I felt like, when I poured out the acid, I lost track of what my fuel was. What was driving me? Shauna Niequist shares how she had trouble ending the book and staying motivated to finish the book. Her need for accomplishment motivated her to do so much. “What powers our work when its no longer motivated by addiction to achievement?” She shares how what fuels her now is love. It is less exciting, sure, but it warms her heart so much more.
Wherever you are in your life, I hope something here resonated with you. I hope read the book Present Over Perfect and I hope it changes your life.
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