Progress not Perfection

I make progress by continuing my practice

Having been in the classroom environment for the vast majority of my life I place a high value on learning. I have recognized for many years that when attempting to learn a new idea it is not enough to be capable of merely understanding or recalling the information. The ability to apply it and synthesize the new concept is a higher level of learning that often require lots of practice. 

As much as I am aware and actively trying to help my others through this type of higher learning process I do not always offer myself the same patience and latitude that I do for my students. I tell my students that I am looking for them to try it out, practice, and that I am looking for progress not perfection. Yet, in my own change and learning process when I discover something new I expect myself to have it all figured out and to just be able to do it.

When I find it difficult to apply new knowledge and shift my behaviors I often feel shame. When what I know and what I do are not synced up I get frustrated. Shame can trap me in the old behaviors and it lets loose the gremlins and all of my negative self talk- "you're not good enough," "you'll never figure this out," "you'll never change," "why can't you get it right?"

Today I will remember that developing new skills and changing old patterns takes practice. I can not expect myself to immediately be proficient at something just because I have a new perspective or understanding of a concept or situation. When it comes to parenting, relationships, life skills, writing, meditation, or any of the things in life that are both important to me and difficult to manage, I will realize that it is about progress not perfection.