Have you heard the adage, “Done is better than perfect?”
What about this one, “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.”
Or, “failure is not an option.”
I once embraced the philosophy that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right and that failure was not an option. So, I didn’t do a lot of failing. If I wasn’t reasonably sure I could do it “right” or that I could guarantee success, I didn’t do it.
I’m grateful for the wake-up call that rattled my perfectionist cage. I was at a workshop and the speaker stated that perfectionism and procrastination were two sides of the same coin. I immediately felt the lightbulb above my head turn on. I could see how my habit of procrastination was a direct result of my fear of failing and not getting it right. I also learned that “getting it right” is often subjective.
Nearly 40 years ago I saw a picture with a little yellow bird peeking its head out of a shirt pocket. The caption read, “Don’t take yourself too seriously!” That sentiment has stuck with me for years. I didn’t think I took myself too seriously. But I subconsciously, I did. And as I look back, that was at the root of my perfectionism and procrastination tendencies.
The Podcast Idea
When the idea of doing a podcast was first presented to me, I lept at the thought. I forgot to be afraid. I forgot to consider if I could do it right or if I would fail. I wasn’t even sure what a podcast was. I knew I had a message to share, and the possibility of doing a podcast triggered a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Focus
As I began to share my desire to host a podcast with friends, I was amazed at how many of them were already fans of multiple podcasts and tuned in regularly to those voices that resonated with them. Now, I’m a podcast fanatic. I listen in to learn, I listen in for the entertainment, and I listen in to podcasts that discuss those things that impact health. And that is my goal with our listeners. Through my journey to better health, I discovered the healing power of nutrition and lifestyle, and I want to share what I’ve found along the way. So, our podcast focuses on how to reclaim health with food and lifestyle habits.
Just Do It!
By most standards, I started my podcast all wrong. I didn’t announce it—much. And I didn’t do a big launch. I didn’t even introduce myself and share why I started a podcast on the first episode. I just jumped in. It was done and it was just right. I’m still learning and I appreciate the on-going training and mentoring from Christina Aldan and Dane Wilson.
After Launch
I still have an occasional internal battle between what’s good and what’s good enough. The adage “done is better than perfect” is a challenge for me. I want to ensure that the content I deliver to my listeners is accurate and brings value. One piece of advice I received about doing a podcast was to be myself and have fun. I can take content seriously while not taking myself too seriously. I’m discovering that I can relax and enjoy conversations with my guests and let go of the need to be perfect when it comes to editing and production.
I’m grateful that I can ride along with a listener while commuting, during a workout, or folding laundry and help inspire them to be curious, ask questions, and create optimal health for themselves and their family.
Thinking about doing a podcast? Don’t think, do!
Devra Betts is a Healthy Gut Advisor and Holistic Health Consultant. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she learned innovative coaching methods, practical lifestyle management techniques, and over 100 dietary theories – Ayurveda, gluten-free, Paleo, raw, vegan, macrobiotics, and everything in between, Devra now coaches people on making transformative change in their health one step at a time. Buy her book on Amazon here.
She hosts a podcast on the LG Podcast Network called Wake The Health Up, which can be found on your favorite podcast listening platform.
