Day 23 – “Tell us your 3 worst traits.” Lovely topic huh? I actually like this post because bloggers always look better via the internet than in real life. Why? Because, understandably, most of them don’t post the messiness of their daily lives. Here’s a look at the not so good things about me, but the positive light I find in them.
I have a love-hate relationship with this trait of mine. I’m pretty sure I inherited it from both my parents, although they handle it much better. My dad likes to find the perfect deal before purchasing it, as well as knowing EVERYTHING about an idea/product/directions before he gets started on something. I get my cleanliness and organization skills from my mom. She likes a perfect house…which I just consider a clean house. I loved this growing up. She also will spend hours making the perfect lesson/activity for her Kindergarteners. Now all you teacher friends know where I get it. I was usually the last one to leave at school because I was spending hours perfecting my room or my lessons.
The BAD – My perfectionism causes me lots of worry and stress. Obviously we know that things aren’t going to be perfect, but it bothers me when they’re not. I want to do everything, be everyone, and do it all perfectly. I spend hours doing tasks or projects so they’re perfect. I also avoid many big projects because I don’t have the perfect time to do them. This causes me to miss out on valuable time elsewhere or repeatedly see my undone project, which causes more annoyance. I also realize some people can get annoyed with perfectionists. “C’mon, just do it already.” “It’s fine.” “Don’t worry about making it perfect.” I know they’re thinking it.
The GOOD – Although my perfectionism is not my best trait, I also love it. It’s who I am and a perfectly clean house makes me happy. I also think perfectionist are passionate and committed. If I’m going to tackle something in any area of my life, I’m going to go all out and I’m going to do it well. Be perfect as Jesus was perfect.
Matthew 5:48 - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I hate admitting this and every time I do, my friends say, “I just can’t see that.” I get angry quick. I like things to go smoothly, perfectly, and usually my way (my third trait below). When they don’t go this way, I get angry. Often times lashing out. Sadly, my husband gets the brunt of this. Now, I don’t want you to think I’m a raging firecracker that throws lamps, but angry I get. I don’t think getting mad about something is necessarily bad, but it’s how you handle it.
The BAD – The problem with my anger is I sometimes use my words (totally not the way to go when angry…you can’t ever take them back…ever). It also raises my blood pressure…not good for your health. They say stress takes years off your life. Yikes. Plus, I really don’t want Beckham to remember his mom as a loose canon ready to explode. Then he’ll never be able to tell me when he’s done something wrong.
The GOOD – The positive on this is it’s a struggle that brings me close to the Lord. The best way I have dealt with things not going my way is to pray and remember the verse below. I am proud to say I have become much calmer as I’ve learned things always work out and getting mad about it doesn’t help the situation.
James 1:19 - My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
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