Why can't I ever get my act together?

[Guest]

That's me! You feel like you want to make everything perfect but you can't. It's like some wierd OCD.....I do this every day .

[Guest]

I can totally relate, and if this is bugging you, try to change the way you look at it -
What I like to think when I feel like this, is:

If I didn't get it done, it must not be that important to me.

Every idea that goes through your head doesn't HAVE to come to fruition. You make choices every day based on time and energy - SO WHAT if you didn't get the gift? SO WHAT if you don't have the perfect dinner? THESE ARE NOT THAT IMPORTANT. You make decisions on the spot and prioritize - I bet when it really counts, you get the job done. If an old lady fell down, would you help her? If a family member was upset, would you comfort them? If a child was lost would you help them find their mom? Who cares about the little things.. focus on being a good person when it counts.

Stop thinking like you are no good - start rewarding yourself for being able to change your mind on what you NEED to get done in a given day.

Good luck

[Guest]

The objective is to nourish yourself, not make a broadway production out of the whole process.

Don, I looooove this quote - it makes me laugh at myself.

[DanMan]

I have found it's really fun to steer away from recipies and have discovered some really good meals that way. The first time I'll follow a recipe and then fiddle around with it the next time. Or just play around with spices when cooking meats or pasta. Then you don't have to worry about being perfect and if it's really good you can pass it on to friends and feel really accomplished. The worst thing that will happen is you have to throw it away and run up and get fast food for dinner that night(oh and that happens to me a few times a year).
I always freeze my meats and then just defrost them in the microwave. Don't worry about getting sick, it's pretty easy to tell when meat is done by checking the center. And if you are still unsure, throw it back in the microwave for a minute or two after you're done cooking it. I once accidently fed my husband half-cooked chicken and he was fine. I also use a meat thermometer sometimes too.
I'm kind of crazy when it comes to gift giving, if I see something I think someone will like and don't think I'll be back to that store or if its a good deal I'll pick it up. I have a box where I store stuff and already have at least one Christmas present in there. I also will pick up generic gifts when I see a good deal for last minute needs. I like to be prepared but it also seems to impressive people too. But don't beat yourself up over it.