Choose : Curiosity or Fear

As we choose - and we do choose, we don’t have to go where someone or something else takes us - we can begin to think in ways that are helpful and at times, harmful.

We need fear: it keeps us alive. But how much do we need? How do you know when you’ve had enough? At what point is too much fear not good for us?

We have a strong, powerful curiosity bias, a tendency to take on information, to absorb and learn. At what point might we be taking on so much information on a topic that the curiosity ... becomes anxiety and fear? There can be a drive for more more more information: What’s the latest? Where is it at now? What’s happening where?

‘News’ outlets know we think like this. They feed our curiosity bias and they succeed when we can’t get enough of them and keep coming back for ‘more’.

But you don’t have to eat from the feeders.

You have choice: To learn and seek out information that becomes knowledge and insight and then to stop ... so it does not feed anxiety and fear.

Behave how the feeders want you to behave? Or lift up through to curiosity, to get some information and insight and then ... get on with your glorious life.

Where could you ease off

Where could you do less and it wouldn’t be noticed and wouldn’t matter?

In researching and writing the book ‘ish: The Problem with our Pursuit for Perfection and the Life-Changing Practice of Good Enough’, it's clear the problem with overworking is worse than ever.

We might work with someone who :

- Doesn’t let go

- Still has to finish ... something

- Keeps missing deadlines

- Needs to do more research, check more data.

Our workplaces must address this pursuit of perfection. It doesn't just apply at home or in the community. It’s rife in the workplace and often ignored, expected or justified.

So look at what you’re working on. Do you know what standard you’re going for or are you just continuing to 'go for perfect'?

If you stop, you will see that’s it’s likely already done well enough. Where could you ease off and people wouldn’t even notice? (This is not about neglecting standards where they're required. Settle down.)

It’s about the dramatic rise in the pursuit of perfection across age groups, sectors, cultures and countries. Notice it in yourself, your team, and keep an eye out for friends, family and the wider community.

Perfectionism is hurting us ... and we don't have to let it.