Sunday, August 23rd
August 23rd – Perfectionism and Self-care
Our goal is progress, not perfection.
Before recovery, we might have thought that perfectionism was a character asset rather than a character defect. As we start working our recovery, some of us may slide into another form of compulsive behavior — trying to work a perfect program. That might mean creating a Sexual Recovery Plan to impress our sponsor, volunteering to be the timekeeper at every meeting, or wanting to be the first to share.
Service is a crucial SCA tool, but always trying to set an example — striving to be “the best” — can be self-defeating. Taking on too many service positions, working tirelessly on a particular project, or constantly trying to be the “go-to” person for any occasion can lead to resentments, burnout, or even a withdrawal from the fellowship.
Such slogans as Easy does it or I am a human being, not a human doing can help center us. Through self-care, we learn to live more easily with our imperfections. We cannot take on responsibility for others’ recovery, let alone that of a group. The Second Tradition talks about the rotation of service. Principles before personalities is a slogan from Tradition Twelve.
Often, we find that the perfect is the enemy of the good.