As a new school year kicks into gear and the lazy days of summer start to slip away, it’s easy to go from feeling refreshed and ready to take on new projects to obsessively worrying (read: panicking) about doing it all. That’s always been me, and it was especially true during my junior and senior years of college, when I over-planned and overextended myself in every area of my life.

It wasn’t until a college professor introduced me to one little phrase that helped me let go — and no, it has nothing to do with Frozen:

It’s a quote often attributed to actress (and original Mickey Mouse Club member) Annette Funicello, but I love what a simple reminder it’s become that every detail doesn’t have to be just right. In fact, sometimes the outcome is better if it isn’t.

Sometimes, a little mess or a misstep leads to a huge breakthrough. That’s how Wheaties, Pacemakers and Penicillin were introduced to the world, anyway.

This week, cut yourself some slack when you’re about to lose it. Something awesome could come from it all.

 

This post is part of Life Between Weekends’ Tuesday Takeaway series. Every Tuesday, we’ll share the most compelling insight we’ve gleaned from a book, movie, tour, documentary or article to inspire you during the workday. 

Top Photo: Mayur Gala/Unsplash

Second Photo: Michael Hull/Unsplash