You are not perfect. Nothing is.
No introduction, no sweet and nicely worded start, just that. You will never be perfect – luckily.
“Being perfect” – have you ever thought about the consequences this would have on your life? Also, what does “perfect” even mean? There are too many unknown factors involved in trying to reach perfection.
1. Defining “Perfect”
First of all, we need to define “perfect.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it means “complete and correct in every way, of the best possible type, or without fault.” So, we’re searching for the best, the most one could possibly get out of life, someone who has it all—everything everyone else lacks.
Is that it? Is that all it takes to define perfection? No.
Perfection is subjective. What seems perfect to you might be horribly wrong to someone else. That simply means they have a different opinion on the topic in question – and that’s a good thing.
2. Different Opinions
Imagine a world without different opinions. Let’s say collective perfection can be achieved, as we manage to define a universal description of it. We all have the same opinion on perfection in every aspect of life. How horrible and inefficient.
No more innovation, no more changes—just collective stagnation.
Improvement is fostered through different perspectives. If we sacrifice them, the rate of new ideas will decrease drastically.
3. Perfection Is Boring
There is no need for total perfection. Perfection is boring.
I want to ask you a question: Why are you trying to be perfect? Do you believe in perfection, its efficiency, its beauty, or are you trying to impress or satisfy someone else?
If you truly think about it, you’ll see the actual impact of perfection on one’s life.
While there are some areas where perfect execution can lead to a greater and more fulfilled state of being, trying to achieve perfection in oneself is not one of them.
Throughout life, we make mistakes. These mistakes can impact our lives in various ways, negatively or positively, but they always leave us with experiences.
Especially when we’re young, life is, and often should be, filled with stupid ideas and imperfect decisions. You are trying to find yourself; you are experiencing your world. Don’t let the illusion of perfection stop you. Of course, you should always behave responsibly and never put yourself or others in danger. But if there’s ever a time to do something imperfect, it’s now.
You don’t believe me? Here’s a common example, just one of infinite situations:
Let’s say you’re out with people you don’t know. You’re scared of what they might think; you want them to see only the perfect side of you. So, you hide your true self, becoming quieter or someone you’re not. Looking back, this meeting was no fun but exhausting—nothing you’ll remember in the future. As a result, you lost a potential core memory.
Now imagine: These people might have liked you a lot. You could have had fun and remembered the evening as one to repeat. You might have even made new friends and seen them again.
Let’s go even further—you didn’t go out in the first place because you needed to study to maintain your perfect grades.
Does this sound like living? The number of examples is endless…
Don’t spend too much money, don’t lie, earn a lot of money, educate yourself, don’t stay out too late, don’t waste your time traveling, go find a job, don’t eat too late or too many sweets, do sports, have glass skin, etc. Especially in today’s modern age, the concept of perfection has expanded, with many new factors and competition, leaving people pressured to live life exactly the same way as everyone else.
You could drive on the highway, taking the fast lane directly to your designated destination. Or you could walk through the woods, climb the mountains beside the road, experiencing immaculate views and finding hidden, beautiful places along the way.
Remember that self-improvement is an ongoing process. Perfection, on the other hand, represents a contradiction to that. Perfection refers to a goal, the highest possible state, one without any path leading further. Perfection pressures us into one way of thinking, of living, while holding us back from filling our repertoire of experiences and lessons. Perfection is white, blank, and boring, with no room for differences, for individuality, for self-realization. Is that how you want to live your life? Or better yet, is that the life you’ll look back on without regrets?
Striving for perfection isn’t a new problem. In fact, when it comes to inventions or technical issues, the pursuit of perfection can be a great source of motivation. Perfection is necessary in some contexts, but it should be approached with caution when applied to one’s personal life and never be overrated, considering its limiting, pressuring, and stressful effects.
Embrace imperfection as an inevitable, beautiful part of life, a present and guiding star on your journey of self-improvement.
What is it you want: existing or living?