When it's not what you expected... it's okay

I'm in a history class this year that I 100% volunteered for. I came in knowing it would challenge me and push me beyond all of my limits. Yet, here I am today, feeling defeated over a grade I received on my first real assignment.

It's worth 24 points. It's an analysis of a document. I got a C+.

A C+. I keep running it through my head as if it'll change to an A+ if I just think about it one more time. My professor made a good point... it was my first. My first time writing anything for him. My first time looking at a seemingly normal document this critically. 

Is a C+ okay? Sure. Do I want work that's 'okay'? Absolutely not. 

So, today as I slowly emerge from my sulking shell, I'm going to do better. That C+ doesn't define me, but it certainly can push me to bigger and better things from here on out.

If you don't know me, this post will seem way over dramatic (and it kind of is). But I would like you to know that I am a recovering perfectionist. I'm learning to accept the fact that not everything can be exactly like I want it to be, but I will NEVER accept mediocrity. I will always strive for the highest rung of the ladder, but I'm learning not to beat myself up when I don't quite reach it.

Shoot for the moon, but know that sometimes the rocket doesn't make it on its first mission. 

I don't have it all figured out yet, but I'm working on it. One day these moments of defeat will feel like the pit stop before Cloud 9. Today it feels a little like a sudden drop in altitude.

Here's to figuring things out one misstep away from success.