BE CASUAL –
Jan. 14, 2025 – Dr. Brené Brown’s research reveals that perfectionism isn’t about self-improvement – it’s about earning approval. “Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best,” she explains. “Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.”
But what if we’re measuring the wrong things? Instead of tracking days or thinking in black and white terms with areas of our lives, such as these, perhaps we celebrate the fact that we are curious at all (how many people do we know who will never be curious about leveling up?). Maybe we practice gratitude for every fact we learn and intentionally tuck into our pockets.
Having the guts to question the status quo we’ve been fed (literally) is brave. It’s outside the box. It’s rebellious, even. That’s a big deal in the alcohol space or any space we’ve been condition to walk into blindly.
Success in sober curiosity isn’t about perfection – it’s about progression. As Dr. Gabor Maté notes, “The question is not why the [substance], but why the pain?” When we shift from perfect performance to genuine curiosity in the quest for our best wellbeing, everything changes.
