Monday’s Mantra - ‘Choose purpose over perfect’

Monday’s Mantra

‘Choose purpose over perfect’

In Sanskrit, the word mantra can be broken down to “the root man- meaning ‘to think’ (also in manas ‘mind’) and the suffix -tra meaning ‘tool’, hence a literal translation ‘instrument of thought’.”

The repetition of a mantra is thought to have the power to bring about a change in our thought process; the power to transform a negative thought pattern to a positive one.

Mantras have long since been used in meditation and we regularly use them when coaching or mentoring. Usually, a Mantra is, by its very nature, a positive, motivational, uplifting statement, but our choice for this week is a little more measured and has already sparked some debate.

Perfection is highly valued, at least it was pre lockdown. However, one thing the pandemic has prompted us to do is consider more deeply our purpose in this world. Staying in to save lives, staying alert to save others, giving up our usual behaviours. Purpose is a goal many aspire to but not one that has previously felt immediately achievable or within our control. For example, how often have you set a goal, worked tirelessly to achieve it, only to end up feeling as if you are failing because you can’t get things just right?

The struggle is real, a necessity to do things flawlessly in order to achieve success can be a threat, not just to our creativity but also our confidence.

To work successfully towards a goal, you don’t just need to understand what it is, but understand why you need to achieve it and what it will deliver to you, personally. What emotions will it summon in you? What about it excites and ignites you? If, you set your goals with a deeper understanding of their purpose and the impact it will have on you, the stronger the incentive will be.

Purpose ignites your motivation and fuels that drive toward consistent action, plus it allows you to enjoy the process along the way.

Passion makes everything seem effortless. Even though effort and attention are required, passion imbues everything we do with a sense of ease, as if everything is falling into place exactly when and where it is supposed to be.

Therefore, it is not perfection we seek but passion and purpose so, when the going gets tough, we are not put off by our problems, but are excited about the possibilities ahead.

Headspace Academics; fresh thinking. Helping school leaders to find their purpose and passion on the road to recovery.