The Courage To Be Imperfect

[Jezture]

BY DR. RUDOLF DREIKURS- CHILDREN: THE CHALLENGE

The importance of courage in parents cannot be overemphasied. Whenever you feel dismayed or find yourself thinking, "My gosh, I did it all wrong," be quick to recognie this symptom of your own discouragement; turn your attention to an academic and impersonal consideration of what can be done to make matters better. When you try a new technique and it works, be glad. When you fall back into old habits, don't reproach yourself. You need to constantly reinforce your own courage, and to do so you need the 'courage to be imperfect'. Recall to your mind the times that you have succeeded, and try again. Dwelling on your mistakes saps your courage. Remember, con cannot build on weakness-only on strength. Admit humbly that you are bound to make mistakes and acknowledge them without a sense of loss in your personal value.

This will do much to keep your own courage up. Above all, remember that we are not working for perfection, but only for improvement. Watch for the little improvements and when you find them, relax and have faith in your ability to improve further. You can not do it all at once. Each improvement is a step forward.

Each step forward is the source of further encouragement.