One of Perfectionism’s cleverest rabbit holes: making plans. 
It is generally accepted wisdom that if you want to make something great, it behooves you to create a solid plan before embarking. 

Occasionally, one crosses paths with people who fearlessly jump into each endeavor. They go from “brilliant idea” to “attempting execution” completely free of Perfectionism’s dazzling visions of success. Knowing they will learn what they need and where to go along the way, the sooner they get started, the sooner they will be well on their way. These people are not unfamiliar with perfect, but they seem more comfortable with imperfect. They likely strive for Great, but with a vague road map waylaying them on an extended stay of undetermined length in Ungreat before arriving at their destination. 

For the rest of us back at the garage, we continue studying our maps before setting out on an adventure. We meticulously check the tire pressure. That leads us to make sure we have a spare tire and a jack. While we’re at it, we decide it would be foolhardy to depart without also changing the oil. Some of us even insist on vacuuming the interior. Others spend time creating the perfect playlist. There are routes and itineraries to clarify; reservations and budgets to be confirmed. Weather forecasts and traffic patterns to study. And let’s not even get started on all of the TripAdvisor reviews which send our inner compass spinning. 

For all of our time spent planning, the fact remains that we cannot control what happens once we pull our cars out onto the road. Even a GPS cannot actually tell you what waits around the corner. Accidents still happen. Unexpected roadside attractions can reel us in. The nice lady at the gas station can recommend a superb local eatery. The kindred spirit behind the hotel counter can suggest a backroad with magnificent views. 

So much of our lives are about the journeys we take, not the meticulous plans we have made. Who wants to come to the end of their days only to reflect upon all of the time dreaming, bent over a map in the garage?

Twelve days into this new year and my carefully annotated map has already been tossed out the window. And it is awesome! I spent a ridiculous amount of time under Perfectionism’s enchantment hiding away in my garage. The car was detailed. The playlists curated. Rain suit, snow suit, business suit, bathing suit, and corresponding footwear carefully packed. 

In all of the planning, I had completely forgotten how incredible it feels to simply be out on the open road with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. Possibility all around me. True, for all of my planning, one would expect me to have a clearer destination in mind. But that is just another one of Perfectionism’s clever traps. Destinations are orienting, but they are not guaranteed. It is the journey we are taking and making each and every day that matters. It is our intention and attention over which we have the greatest influence in each and every moment. 

Making the choices and taking the steps which lead us to arrive at our intended destination can be deeply satisfying, but we must not forget, the journey continues even upon arrival. Overwhelmed at the prospect of an endless journey, our human minds struggle to orient in the vast uncertainty that is our lives. How does one pack for a trip without knowing where we’re going or when it will end? Do I need an umbrella? A ball gown? Hiking poles? Do I need religion? Philosophy? Spanish? Should I pack a carry on? A steamer trunk? Everything but the kitchen sink?

The truth is there is no right answer on this exam. The journey is unique to all of us. The vessel, maps, and provisions our own. And whether we sit tinkering in our garage year after year or put the car on cruise control so we can better take in the views, ultimately, it is up to each of us how we choose to play it each time we get behind the wheel. Map or no map; plan or no plan; fear or certainty alike, I am beginning to see that there really is something incredible from simply deciding each and every day to show up and drive. Even without a map. Even when it’s to a destination unknown.