The problem with perfectionism

In the January 2004 issue of O Magazine, Sharon Salzberg takes a look at skillful ways of dealing with our own failures and imperfections. Here are several quotes from that article:

By prizing heartfulness above faultlessness, we may reap more from our effort because we're more likely to be changed by it.
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If we fall, we don't need self-recrimination or blame or anger - we need a reawakening of our intention and a willingness to recommit, to be whole-hearted once again.
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Often we can achieve an even better result when we stumble yet are willing to start over, when we don't give up after a mistake, when something doesn't come easily but we throw ourselves into trying, when we're not afraid to appear less than perfectly polished.
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We learn and grow and are transformed not so much by what we do but by why and how we do it.

Remember, perfectionism is really a form of pride. Let's all have the humility to let go of the need to be perfect because if we're able to forgive ourselves we can more easily forgive others.