What is Perfection?

Perfection can be seen as the gold standard across various realms, be it business, art, or my personal experiences. There's a unique satisfaction that comes from achieving excellence, making it feel like a significant accomplishment—a testament to pushing my limits.

However, there's a twist to this pursuit...

The Illusion of Perfection

Chasing perfection resembles the futile quest for a mesmerizing mirage.

From a distance, it appears extraordinary, but as you draw nearer, it often falls short of expectations. There were many sleepless nights spent ruminating over mistakes I made, and countless days where inaction prevailed due to my relentless pursuit of flawlessness.

Thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I could do better,” or “My content isn’t worthy” plagued my mind. I even found myself hesitating to record videos, a challenge I still face today.

I was excessively critical of myself, a realization that has dawned on me with time. Gradually, I became more aware of how perfectionism hindered my progress, stifling my willingness to experiment and act swiftly.

Perfectionism proved to be counterproductive, trapping me in an endless loop of unrealistic expectations that took a toll on my well-being—stress, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and self-criticism were all unwelcome companions.

A Societal Perspective

The societal view of perfection compounds this issue. We are constantly inundated with images of idealized lives through social media and film.

I've come to understand that this isn't solely a personal battle; it reflects a broader societal challenge. The pressure to compare ourselves to these curated portrayals can be overwhelming. Yet, it is crucial to resist this urge.

I cannot stress it enough: Do not compare yourself to others. The prevalence of filters and façades on social media is disheartening; it raises questions about authenticity.

Finding Balance

Ultimately, I learned that achieving balance is key. I have begun to embrace my imperfections more each day, and now I cherish them for their role in making me unique.

Yes, I've learned to love myself as I am, flaws included. Writing this acknowledgment feels like a significant triumph—a testament to self-love and kindness.

There's a beautiful concept called “wabi-sabi,” which celebrates the beauty of imperfection. This mindset has been liberating and transformative for the perfectionist I once was. I still aspire for excellence, but I have come to realize that it’s perfectly acceptable not to chase perfection all the time.

It’s okay to experiment and make mistakes. My relationship with perfection has taught me invaluable lessons about myself, helping me find a harmonious balance between striving for the best and embracing who I am.

What has your journey with perfection been like? I welcome your stories and insights. Your engagement with my reflections brings me joy—your claps and comments are like a sweet melody in my day!

Laurence