The holiday season is a sprint. Between planning gatherings, finding the right gifts, and managing the year-end push at work, the to-do list can seem endless. Especially for our Type A Policy Circle women, the desire to excel in every aspect can be overwhelming. However, as my friend and Policy Circle Board Member Laura Cox Kaplan recently highlighted on her podcast She Said, She Said, striving for perfection in everything can actually hinder our ability to live fulfilling lives. The podcast featured a thought-provoking discussion with Elisabeth Leamy on how to categorize tasks and projects as “good enough,” “better,” or “best,” allowing for prioritization and strategic focus.
Personally, I find it challenging to let go of the pursuit of excellence, particularly when it comes to my work. The pressure to consistently meet and exceed expectations has been a driving force throughout my life. However, I appreciate the wisdom shared in the podcast and am considering adapting the framework to help me delegate, ditch, or delay certain tasks. After all, there’s always the option to “circle back after the holidays.”
During an interview this week, I was asked, “How do I know when I am simply operating under pressure vs. operating in my God-given gifts?” It was a good question, and when I replied, I realized how easy it is to fall back into the trap of wrapping our identity in our performance. It’s not who we are but what we do. That is the opposite of a healthy and whole mindset.
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s natural to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Often, our thoughts turn to the people in our lives. We cherish them not just for what they do, but for who they are and what they mean to us. It’s important to extend that same grace to ourselves. Even in our professional lives, where relationships are often built around shared tasks and goals, we still value our colleagues for their intrinsic qualities, not just their performance.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment to list what you’re thankful for – the people you value and why they’re so important. Then, remember to give yourself the same kindness. It’s your unique gifts, wisdom, and generosity that truly enrich the lives of those around you.
At The Policy Circle, we’re deeply grateful for you and all you do to support our mission. Your friendship, insights, and investments fuel our vision for the future.
With sincere gratitude,
Stacy