My motto is “Don’t go for perfection, go for better than before!” This is how I get things accomplished without fear or doubt.
I shared this idea after we painted our shed black and receiving a few comments, saying they didn’t like it black or telling me things they didn’t like. I really don’t think everyone loves everything I share. But when I personally started to question if I liked it after those comments, I thought, you know what, there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is 100% Better than Before! I wasn’t going for the perfect shed in the world. Or even one that all my blog readers would like, because that would never happen. What we were going for was to give our shed that was looking shabby and little facelift for under $200. And to inspire others to make their homes a place they want to be.
Most of you have probably had someone tell you they don’t like something you created. Then you might have had self-doubt.
Or you never start a project because there are so many different options and ways you could do it and it probably won’t be perfect, so why do it?
Stop.
Perfection is never the goal. But if you aim for doing something better than it was before then how could you not appreciate it.
This mentality should help you even start little projects or get over a confrontation you had with someone else. Because next time you will be kinder and do better than before.
It is all about perspective.
Someone said something to me on Instagram along the lines of “I am going to unfollow you because of how you talk about religion, I love the home decor, but can’t do the other”. I mentioned praying for someone in an instagram post, and that was too much. Which I totally respect. BUT I don’t like that all I responded back to her was “perfect”. Because I am not going to change who I am, nor was I going to apologize. But “perfect” isn’t really that kind.
I actually blocked her because people were commenting back to her and I didn’t want it to turn into a fight. So blocking her made it so she couldn’t see the responses and respond back. I don’t like any of that negativity and bullying. BUT I couldn’t stop thinking about it. If I was responding to her with love then I should have said. “I understand and we will miss you. God bless.” No, just kidding on the last part.
After that conversation I know next time I will do Better than Before. I can let it go, knowing that next time I can respond differently. I am not perfect. And give myself and others that grace.
Does that thinking mentality help you? “Don’t go for perfection, go for better than before”
One of my favorite podcasts is “Happier” by Gretchen Rubin. I actually hadn’t listened to it for awhile. And decided to the other day. I had to laugh at myself because Gretchen Rubin has a book called “Better than Before”! All about mastering habits. So there you go. I think that her message was imbedded in my brain. I did listen to her book about a year ago and really liked it! I think you would too.
My friend Jessica @Vol25 emailed me and told me that she loved when I shared that message on my Instagram that she created a piece of art around it and asked if I minded. I of course was so flattered. These are perfect for a “Phrase of the year”. A great family goal. Or for a classroom.
Once you get your beautifully textured, cotton canvas you can make it into a wall hanging for 20 cents!!! I will show you how easy it is. And you might even be able to do it for FREE!
DIY Wall Hanging –
Supplies-
- 2 Paint Stick’s
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks or staple gun and staples
- Twine or ribbon
Notes-
- Notice I didn’t include a saw? You can use the hand saw they have at your local home improvement store! (photo below)
- You can get the paint sticks free when you purchase paint or just buy the pack of 10 for 99 cents!! (photo below)
- The paint sticks work perfect for anything smaller than 8×10.
- If you are doing a larger wall hanging then 8×10 you can use 1/4 x 1-3/8 Pine “lattice” you purchase this by the foot for $1.28 per foot (photo below)
Notice I didn’t mention that you needed a saw? Because you can just use the saw they have at your Home Improvement store- Home Depot and Lowe’s both have these. I cut right where the paint stick starts to bend in (aka the handle part). Picture above is me cutting the longer piece before I thought of the paint stick idea.
Then hot glue the sticks to the front of your wall hanging. When you purchase the pack of 10 sticks they don’t have any writing on the back. These were two free paint sticks I already had.
I didn’t even paint the sticks. You could use stain or water down some paint for a white-washed look!
So easy! And it’s 20 cents. So it is basically FREE framed art!
My tip for decorating with “words” and any signs with sayings. Is try to keep it to one quote or word art per room. Any more get’s confusing and busy. Pick one message to really shine.
8×10 Cotton Canvas with the Nesting with Grace Motto– “Don’t go for perfection, go for better than before”!
Grab it HERE
I would love to see what you do with your motto! Tag me in your photos on Instagram and I will share some.
Perfect place to hang your wall hanging is something you want to hide! Mine is hiding our thermostat! It could hide a light switch, plug or hole š!
PS- you can find the floral print that is the large wall hanging HERE
PSS- find info on the gold sconce with the Magic Light Trick, HERE
Just ordered the canvas! Thank you for the DIY idea!!
oh yay!!!
Is there a discount or promo code needed?
no- she has is tagged free for just two days- just sharing with my readers!!
its saying it will charge me 23.99?
hmmmmm I thought it was 6.99….. did you select the free 8×10? Where do you live?
Well this is a fun way to start the day!! I just ordered mine š¤ Thanks to you & Jessica for offering these words of wisdom in such a creative way!!
One of my favorites quotes: Progress over Perfection!
This is a very inspiring post. Yes, you are right. We often give up before we start because we think things have to look and be perfect….such good advice to relax and listen to your own instincts. Sometimes I think this may come with aging….we care less what others think, and more of what is right for us and our family.
The only other thing I want to add is this: you are such a gracious person. I read the paragraph about the commenter who said she would unsubscribe because you happened to mention God in a post. She did not have to say that – she could have just unsubscribed. She wanted to make a point and I think your original response was a good one.But your reflected on it and decided that next time you would respond differently -You are much more gracious than I am !!
What a cute idea. Thanks. Never change who you are or what you believe in. That is what people like about you!
ordered! going to frame for my 15 yr old daughter for Xmas….great message for her and all young adults as they navigate this crazy world!!
Said so well. In our world right now, it would be so nice if we all did not have to share every thought that pops in our heads. It is fine to like or not like, agree or disagree, but there is usually not a need to share your viewpoint if it is not asked for. I also sometimes respond in a way that i wish i had not afterward, since it does not always reflect the grace that i have been given so freely. You are doing well and providing a place we love to come for ideas, inspiration and joy. Keep up the excellent work. Your kindness and openess is extravagant.
I’ve never understood those who feel the need to negatively comment on other’s posts; it doesn’t serve a purpose. I think we all understand that some things won’t work for our house or would need to be tweaked in order to pull off and that’s okay. If anything – it’s better than okay- because then we will all have something unique and personal to us, which is important in a home. Keep standing up for yourself and tuning out those that offer negativity- the rest of us are here to support you and enjoy the inspiration and beauty.
Oh my stars!
Not perfect just better than before… I say this sentence all the time, word for word.
All The Time.
Anyway on to my real point.
Keep praying. Keep letting others know you pray and worship. The enemy is trying to silence us so YELL!
Blessings to you!
Minnie
Grace, this word art is wonderful and the fact that your friend and entrepreneur is offering it FREE to your readers is amazing! I just ordered the Coral one. I think I said something similar to my 11 year old daughter last night after she got her first 6th grade progress report. She is doing well but needs to get a few of her course grades up. I want her to know I’m proud of her because 6th grade is HARD. If I can bear to part with it, I may gift it to her. Thank you again from a reader in Western MA.
I just had to go back and look at the shed post. What a fantastic project! I have to say – the landscaping around the shed is as fabulous as the paint job. Congrats to you and your sweet hubby on a job well done. I’m totally inspired – not only by the project but also by your courage, love, and devotion!
Just ordered one! Thanks for all your ideas! We all need more prayers!!
I love this motto and this blog post. So true and inspiring! Itās one of the main reasons I follow your IG and blog. Stay true.
You are so inspiring, thank you. It’s sad that there are such unhappy people in the world that they have to be negative to someone who inspires with such beauty and joy. Keep up the good work, we appreciate you.
I agree with you Brooke. Iām glad you donāt let it get to you. Love you and your blog. I look forward to it everyday. I love that you are so sweet and wonāt change.
I thought your black shed turned out great! It inspired me to paint my eye sore shed. I painted it black with a beautiful royal blue door and cute flowere boxes under the windows. I filled the boxes with small fern sprigs and gourds for the season. Here’s the thing, yours is my first blog I follow and look forward to. It is inspiring and full of ideas. Don’t get distracted by negative comments. For every one you get, there are probably 50 more who love that you are willing to share with us. Thank you, and GOD BLESS you and your family.
I just adore you! You are just wonderful! I will be ordering my wall hanging as soon as Iām finished here. I have to say I look forward to your posts and stories on ig every day! You just brighten my afternoon. As for the lady with the God comment… bc I have to comment. Jesus tells us that people will hate us because they hated him first. As a Christian we arenāt loved by everyone we are to love them! šGod bless you!
That is beautifully said. Thank you! xxxxx
Thank you! I ordered the print and then an additional Peony print because I’ve been looking for one that I loved for a long time. Win win all around!
oh yay!! Thank you for that!!
Iām sad. Wanted to order. But it says doesnāt ship to South Carolina. šš
Really? Hmmmm I would email her!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I’m glad you are a Christian and share that on your blog. It’s why I like it so much. We can all improve upon our reactions to others, it’s part of being human. We are all in this boat together, so just keep being a light in this dark world and He will give you the courage to continue on. Thanks also to your friend for the quote. I ordered one for my 10 yr old dtrs. bedroom as a Christmas gift. š
Love it! Just ordered mine as well.
Love this quote so much! It really resonates with me as I’m a perfectionist! By having this mindset I’m more carefree with my decorating and having more fun! Thank you Brooke and Jessica for this super cute print as a reminder! Can’t wait receive mine:)