Lately, I’ve been talking to my clients about a concept that is a bit of a mind-twister. This idea is both a paradox and an unequivocal truth, all rolled up into one beautiful phrase:

Each of us is simultaneously a masterpiece and a work in progress.

Take a deep breath and allow the words to really sink in.

If you’re anything like me, this idea might be causing your inner critic to rear her head right about now. She might be saying something like:

“There’s no doubt that you are work in progress. But a masterpiece – you? Ha! Far from it.”

Hear me out.

You are a masterpiece because you were created by the universe. Literally, your body is made out of stardust. And anything created by the universe is worthy, and beautiful, and perfect, exactly as it is.

I know what you’re thinking. “But if I believe that I’m a masterpiece, and accept myself as I am, then doesn’t that make me complacent? Doesn’t it take away my motivation to improve myself?”

Great question. And my answer is: actually, it does the opposite.

When we believe that we’re not good enough, we spend a lot of time in a negative head-space, beating ourselves up for our many shortcomings. We may think that being hard on ourselves is what we need to do to improve, but I challenge that idea with two thoughts:

1) If being hard on ourselves worked, it would have worked by now.

2) When we put all of our energy into beating ourselves up, we have nothing left for growing, evolving, and healing.

As counter intuitive as it seems, we must accept ourselves as we are in order to grow and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

As I’ve embraced this concept in my life, I’ve found that the more I cultivate self-acceptance:

• The more I make choices that support my highest good.
• The easier it is to let go of things that no longer serve me.
• The more quickly I grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
• The more peaceful I feel.

Yes, I’m a work in progress – and I will be until the day I die. And at the same time, I’m a masterpiece. I’m worthy, beautiful, and perfect exactly as I am.

And so are you.