Imperfect Decisions Are Your Secret Sauce When Creating Your Vision

There was a time in my life where I was dubbed the Queen of Perfection. Friends and family were poking fun at me, but I wore that crown like it was the ultimate compliment. It wasn’t.

Always trying to be perfect and doing everything perfectly, only led to overwhelm, frustration, and burnout. I was an unhappy camper.

So, it’s no wonder that when I tried creating a vision for my life, my perfectionistic tendency focused on making the perfection decisions to get the vision I wanted. I know I don’t have to tell you, but that didn’t work.

After prayer and meditation, the Lord helped me to see a couple of things. First of all, my crown of perfectionism had to go. That was not easy – I had lived my life that way so long that I didn’t know any other way to be. But scripture says that you can do all things when you trust Jesus for the His strength to help you. So, now I am a recovering perfectionist.

The second thing that God revealed to me was that every mistake, misstep, and imperfect decision made me who He wanted me to be. Now, I do not mean it was His desire that I made those things, but He used them all for my good.

When we think about creating a vision for our lives, too often we envision perfection. We picture the perfect decisions, the flawless execution, and the seamless path to our goals. However, what if I told you that imperfect decisions are actually your secret sauce when creating your vision? Yes, those moments of uncertainty and the steps that didn’t go as planned can be the very things that shape your journey in the wisest ways.

The truth is, embracing imperfection and relying on biblical principles can guide you towards a life of divine clarity and purposeful action.

Embrace Imperfection with Grace

The Bible is filled with stories of people who made imperfect decisions, but God still used those moments to fulfill His greater purpose. Think about Moses’ story. God clearly told him what His vision was for his life. But Moses was still  hesitant, felt inadequate, and even argued with God about his capabilities. (Exodus 4:10) Despite his imperfections, God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This teaches us that God doesn’t require perfection, but a willing heart. Obedience is always God’s desire for us.

Action Steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Imperfections: Write down the areas where you feel inadequate or where you’ve made mistakes. Pray over these areas, asking God for His guidance and strength.
2. Seek God’s Wisdom: Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Spend time in prayer and scripture, seeking God’s wisdom for your decisions.
3. Take Action: Don’t let fear of imperfection paralyze you. Take the first step, trusting that God will guide you along the way.

Learn from Imperfect Decisions

Every decision, whether perfect or imperfect, holds valuable lessons. Paul who was once a huge persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential apostles after his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road. (Acts 9:1-19) He cheered as Stephen was being stoned to death. But his past mistakes did not disqualify him but rather equipped him with a unique perspective and a powerful testimony. Paul the Pharisee made multiple mistakes, but God used forgiven Paul to spread His Gospel around the world.

Action Steps:

1. Reflect on Your Past Decisions: Take time to reflect on past decisions that didn’t go as planned. What did you learn from those experiences?
2. Identify the Lessons: Write down the lessons you’ve learned from each imperfect decision. How have they shaped your character and vision?
3. Apply the Lessons: Use these lessons as a foundation for making future decisions. Remember, every experience is a steppingstone to your vision and living the purposeful life you really want.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty

God tells us in scripture that His ways are not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) So, it is not surprising that His plan for you often comes to pass in ways you never thought of. One example of this is Joseph. Joseph’s journey, from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt, is a perfect example of God’s sovereignty. (Genesis 37-50) What looked like a series of unfortunate events were actually steps in God’s greater plan to save a nation.

Action Steps:

1. Surrender to God’s Plan: Acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than your ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Surrender your plans to Him, trusting that He knows what’s best.
2. Stay Faithful in Small Things: Joseph remained faithful in every situation, whether in Potiphar’s house or in prison. Stay faithful in your current circumstances, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
3. Trust God’s Timing: God’s timing is perfect. Trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28), even when you cannot see it.

Overcome Perfectionism with Purpose

My past perfectionism was a major hindrance to my progress. If that resonates with you, there is a good chance that it is a hindrance to your progress, too. Remember Martha. In her busyness to serve Jesus, she missed the opportunity to simply sit at His feet like her sister Mary. (Luke 10:38-42) Jesus reminded her that Mary had chosen the better part. It’s important to remember that our purpose is not to be perfect, but to live a life that glorifies God. Sometimes, that means making an imperfect decision.

Action Steps:

1. Prioritize What Matters: Identify your core values and priorities. What truly matters in your vision and purpose?
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate small wins and progress, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.
3. Seek God’s Approval: Focus on pleasing God rather than meeting human standards of perfection. Colossians 3:23 encourages us to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Embrace Community and Accountability

Creating a vision is not a solo journey.

The early church thrived because of the support and accountability that the believers shared. (Acts 2:42-47) Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, wisdom, and accountability as you pursue your vision.

Action Steps:

1. Build a Support Network: Identify individuals who share your values and vision. Ask for their support and accountability.
2. Be Vulnerable and Honest: Share your struggles and imperfections with your support network. Allow them to speak into your life and provide guidance. Seek their wise counsel.
3. Pray Together: There is power in collective prayer. Pray together for wisdom, direction, and strength as you pursue your vision.

Rest in God’s Grace

God’s grace is sufficient for you, and His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Embrace His grace, knowing that you are loved and accepted despite your imperfections. There is no decision you have made or will make that God does not know about. That means that you can allow His grace to empower you to move forward with confidence and boldness.

Action Steps:

1. Meditate on God’s Grace: Spend time in prayer and meditation, focusing on scriptures that speak of God’s grace and love.
2. Extend Grace to Yourself: Be kind and forgiving towards yourself. Acknowledge that you are a work in progress.
3. Move Forward with Confidence: With God’s grace as your foundation, move forward boldly, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Imperfect decisions are not roadblocks but rather the steppingstones to your God-given vision. Accept them and embrace them with grace, learn from them, trust in God’s sovereignty, overcome perfectionism with purpose, engage with your community, and rest in God’s grace. As you do, you’ll find that these imperfect moments are the secret sauce that shapes your journey and brings you closer to the life God has called you to live. Remember, your vision is not about achieving perfection but about glorifying God and fulfilling His purpose for your life. So, step out in faith, make those imperfect decisions, and watch how God uses them to help you create the vision for your life that you want, and He wants for you.

If you would like more support in implementing these steps, get on the waitlist for my upcoming free virtual event – Vision Casting and Goal Setting Bootcamp for Chrtistian Women: Unlock Your Path to Divine Clarity and Purposeful Action. Sign up here: herrichlife.com/waitlistbootcamp.