Motivation Mondays
6/3/19
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION
Today’s Reminder: Progress
“Keep adding little by little and you will soon have a big hoard.”
~ Latin Proverb ~
Courage to Change Series: Progress Not Perfection
*Page 76*
Progress can be hard to recognize, especially if our expectations are unrealistically high. If we expect our negative attitudes or unhealthy behavior to change quickly and completely, we are likely to be disappointed – progress is hard to see when we measure ourselves against idealized standards. Perhaps it would be better to compare our present circumstances only to where we had been in the past. For example, a Fourth Step inventory led me to realize that I hold grudges and that they hurt me. I try to let go of resentments and I despair when these attitudes persist. Fortunately, Al-Anon has taught me to focus on progress, not perfection. Although I still sometimes hold on to resentments, I know I’m making progress because I don’t do it as often as I used to or for as long a time. Today I am no longer seeking perfection; the only thing that matters is the direction in which I’m moving.
3 C’s of Al-Anon
- We didn’t CAUSE it
- We can’t CONTROL it
- We can’t CURE it
AND WE WON’T CONTRIBUTE TO IT TODAY
Questions to Consider This Week
- What are two areas of my life that I can see overwhelm me with the desire for perfection? Commit to letting those areas unfold organically rather than attempting to force your will.
- Can I give grace to those in my life, allowing them to be on their journey without my attempts to speed up the process or control the outcomes?
- Have I recognized that I cannot master this alone and allow my Higher Power to offer me guidance, support and discipline in my recovery?
- Will I consider taking the next step in finding a recovery network that can offer me experience, strength and hope on this path?