Perfection...

Perfection. Society has created an ideal image of who we are supposed to be. We are all supposed to achieve the same impossible level of perfection, no exceptions. I have always struggled with trying to achieve perfection. In the past I was always concerned about what other people thought of me, and some days it still gets to me.

Everywhere we turn we see all these stories and images of these people who are “perfect.” But societies version of perfection is only an illusion. We all hear these incredible stories from these “perfect” individuals and wonder why our lives cannot even compare. We begin to belittle our accomplishments because they are not even comparable to the perfection we so desperately try to achieve. We tear ourselves apart trying to reach this level of perfection until there is almost nothing left of ourselves.

I use to be one of those people who were trying desperately to achieve an impossible level of perfection. I would push myself so hard and when I came up a little bit short I would tear myself apart. I began to belittle all my accomplishments because nothing was good enough. I pushed myself until I was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted and there was nothing left of me. I hope you never have to go through what I did to truly grasp and understand the following. No one is perfect and we all need to be making progress instead of trying to achieve perfection.

Through my personal experiences I know there are a lot of issues with trying to achieve perfection. For one it damages your self-esteem and self-image. When we are constantly comparing ourselves to these “perfect” people we become frustrated with ourselves and it plants a seed of doubt in our minds. Once these seeds of doubt are planted in our minds they are really difficult to get rid of. Second perfection is crippling. When we are in the pursuit of perfection we struggle to achieve our goals because we are too afraid to start. We are scared we are going to fail in front of people and that is simply unacceptable. Finally, it takes away your quality of life. Perfection does not make you happy, it makes you miserable. You start living your life the way you think other people want you to instead of doing what you love to do.

“Perfection” is overrated. The quirks and imperfections are what make you unique. Trying to pursue perfection will only strip you of your individuality. We all are different and bring unique perspectives to the table. Do not strip yourself of your individuality by trying to achieve societies illusion of perfection.

Image Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pictoquotes/15909582769