The Guy In the Glass...

One of my personal characteristics which I am most proud of, which has allowed me to reach success in many aspects of my life, but which at the same time has also been responsible for a fair amount of headache and pain, both for me and those close to me, is perfectionism. Perfectionism - the feeling of never wanting to settle for second best, the desire to always strive for personal growth and improvement; the emotion that prevents me from giving in to defeat and failure, and pushes me to continue to struggle in the face of adversity. It's also the seed of self-doubt, insecurity and thinking that you're never quite good-enough. It means being, at the same time, my own biggest fan and greatest critic.
The difficulty is harnessing all the positive power that comes with being a perfectionist, while at the same time letting go of the self-depracating and self-criticizing aspects which make one never quite happy and satisfied with whatever has been achieved and accomplished - allowing oneself to be truly happy within, content, satisfied, and at peace. Being able to look at yourself in the mirror and being proud of and happy with the person looking back.

Today I came across this poem called "The Guy in the Glass" which was written in 1934by Dale Wimbrow Sr. (1895-1954):

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what THAT man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.