Trello: You dedicate a whole chapter to perfectionism. Why is it so good at draining our motivation? (And why don’t we often notice this happening?)
Marie: Trying to be perfect is exhausting. Perfectionism keeps you suffering and spinning your wheels. The solution is to focus on progress, not perfection.
Why? Because making progress is extremely motivating. Life doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t require you to be constantly fearless, confident, or self-assured. Life simply requires that you keep showing up.
Trello: Later on, you mention your team keeps a “stress log” at work, which was a new idea to me. What is it and how does focusing on stress help you move past your biggest blockers?
Marie: A stress log is a simple practice of making a written list of recurring stressors. Then, the goal is to work through that list with your team and design systems and solutions to eliminate or transform the sources of stress as best as possible. Watch the MarieTV episode on the process and philosophy behind it here.
The solution is to focus on progress, not perfection. Why? Because making progress is extremely motivating.
Life doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t require you to be constantly fearless, confident, or self-assured. Life simply requires that you keep showing up.
Trello: You also describe the cycle of fear and shame you went through trying to find your career path—including quitting a string of steady “dream” jobs in order to pursue your entrepreneurial passion for life and business coaching.
Now that you have the perspective of being a NYTimes bestselling author and successful business owner, what first piece of advice would you give your just-starting-out entrepreneurial self?
Marie: I’d give myself the advice to stop trying to fit into a conventional box. I’d encourage myself to embrace the full spectrum of my talents, skills and interests and trust that my multi-passionate nature is a gift that will fuel both growth, happiness, and ability to make a positive impact on others.
More Small Biz Advice From Marie
Trello: Thank you so much, Marie, for all these amazing insights! Where can folks go to learn more about your work?
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