The Pushmi-pullyu Of Perfection

The Pushmi-Pullyu of Perfection

IN HIS WONDERFUL children’s tale about Dr. Doolittle, Hugh Lofting introduces readers to a unique creature called a Pushmi-Pullyu (pronounced push-me; pull-you). Do you remember?

I am convinced that a pushmi-pullyu haunts most high-achieving women. We are often controlled by something that is pushing and pulling us, causing us to miss lasting joy in our lives. And that something, which I’ve touched on before, is perfection. While hitting on all cylinders at all times is what takes many women to the pinnacle of success (both professionally and personally), it is this drive for excellence that sucks the contented life from that same self-motivated gal.

Of course I know many high-achieving women who are not pursued by the pushmi-pullyu of perfection—but all who come to mind are over the age of sixty. Maturity seems to enable women to finally corner the beast after years of dealing with its sharp horns. These women are living their best lives right now.

If my AARP card-carrying girlfriends can do this, why can’t we? I don’t want to wait one more day to grasp life and live it to its fullest—I want to do it now!

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

Is your drive driving you crazy too? Well, put on your safari hat—we’re going huntin’. We’re going to bag us some pushmi-pullyus of perfection.