3 Simple Questions to Channel Your 7-Year-Old You

Summary

The article discusses the benefits of embracing imperfection and channeling one's inner 7-year-old self through three simple questions that grant permission to be messy and thrive.

Abstract

The author, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, shares insights from a conversation with their 7-year-old self to overcome the need for perfection. By asking three specific questions, the author learns to accept that most people don't notice the minute details, that obsessing over these details may not be worth the time, and that it's counterproductive to work longer on aspects that go unnoticed. This realization is encapsulated in the "Daily Doable" concept, encouraging readers to not stress over unnoticeable details and to embrace a more carefree, childlike approach to their work, whether it be in art, writing, or speaking.

Opinions

The author acknowledges their struggle with perfectionism and its negative impact on their work.
There is value in reconnecting with the carefree creativity of one's childhood self.
The three questions posed by the author's 7-year-old self are seen as a tool to challenge perfectionist tendencies.
The author suggests that the time spent on refining details is often wasted because it goes unnoticed by others.
The article promotes the idea that being "messy" or less meticulous can lead to greater productivity and personal fulfillment.
The author emphasizes the importance of self-permission to create freely without the constraints of perfectionism.

I’m a perfectionist!

It gnaws at me and I know I shouldn’t think this way. How about you?

So I went to the person who knows me better than anyone else, me. Actually, 7-year-old me. He had proven himself before in another conversation.

It was refreshing because I realized I had not disappointed that little boy. In fact, he was amazed that I had found a way to get paid to draw.

This time I needed permission to be messy like him. Here’s how our conversation went. He asked me these 3 questions.

3 Questions to Channel 7-Year-Old You in order to get permission to be messy again and thrive.

Questions #1: Do most people notice what you notice? No! There have been times when I tweaked my art and then showed people the Before and After versions. They didn’t see the difference. Ouch!

Questions #2: Was that extra work actually worth it? No! And when I think about it, I was really wasting time that I could have been working on something else.

Questions #3: Then why should you work longer on something if most people don’t see the difference? Okay, you got me there. It doesn’t make sense.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re creating art like me. If you’re a writer, speaker, or whatever, these questions will give you permission to be messy.

Remember those label-makers when you were a child? This graphic is something 7-year-old me could have created. It’s messy, but it’s PERFECT!

Photo and Graphic by 7-Year-Old Me

Daily Doable: Don’t stress over something most people don’t even notice. Give yourself permission to be messy. And if you need a little boost, ask these questions to the 7-year-old version of you for some help. #DoWhatYouCanNow

Did you miss the earlier conversation I had with 7-year-old-me?

Is there a topic you would like me to create an Inspire Point about? Click reply and let me know. Thank you and…

This Inspire Point was brought to you by your neighbor Tim Maudlin.

This story was originally published on my site at DoWhatYouCanNow.com

How You Can Thrive…

3 Simple Questions to Channel Your 7-Year-Old You

And get permission to be messy again

I’m a perfectionist!

A Conversation With 7-Year-Old You

What would today’s you say?

Hi Neighbor!

Greetings from Tim Maudlin, your neighbor in Indiana.