Perfection is great — but unattainable. So why do we keep pursuing it? Sometimes for our entire lives? Because we want to be liked or loved or accepted — whatever the circumstance calls for.
It all has to do with us having thoughts (albeit false ones) that if we aren’t perfect, then the tribe will oust us and we’ll be left to “die in the wilderness.” It might sound dramatic, however, fundamentally, underlying all the layers, that’s exactly what’s going on.
The pursuit of perfection stops you in your tracks. No matter how hard you try, you’re just never going to get it just right. Life doesn’t work that way. Life is messy. It’s not black and white. Things are perfect — even when we think they are.
But, it’s okay not to be perfect. And, the folks who accept that are typically the most successful — in all areas of life — jobs, relationships, happiness. You’re never going to get it perfect because this is life and you’re a human and it just doesn’t work that way in this domain.
Perfection is about measuring up to someone else’s unattainable measuring stick. Who cares what others think. They may not like what you say or do. Oh well. That’s for them to own. Be yourself. Put yourself out there. Take a risk. Life’s one big game of chance anyway.
Learn to accept the idea of imperfection. You’ll decrease your stress. You’ll free yourself up to be, do, and have more in life. And, by being more accepting of yourself, as if by magic, others will naturally be more accepting of you! Try it, and you’ll see what I mean.
So give yourself the gift of imperfection and put yourself out there. Publish the book. Write the article. Do the interview. Be you. Love you. And, you’ll see how much others love you back!
To Your Success,
Tara Kachaturoff
