Why do we seek perfection when we all readily acknowledge that perfection is not of this world?
For a lot of people, the quest for perfection is a painful journey through self-exploration and failures. How many of us have had a bad day when they looked into the mirror and didn’t find it in their heart to love the person looking back at us?
I am not good enough.
I am weak.
I hate x, y, z about myself.
Does it sound like a familiar pattern? If so, stop immediately and embrace your imperfectness. The secret to a happy life is not to be perfect in any way. It’s not an impossible challenge. Instead, you have to learn to accept your imperfections and be kind to yourself. Here’s why being imperfect is such a blessing:
#1. Turn your quirks into strengths
What are the little things you are worried about? A lot of people, for instance, are embarrassed about being shortsighted. Perhaps, you’ve received too many unkind comments when you were a bespectacled child at school, or you’re concerned that your eyesight may make you appear weak. In truth, eyewear is one of the most fashionable accessories you could wear. Take a look at some of the most recent designers’ collections if you need some convincing! You can find a trendy frame on a specialist shop such as eyeglasses.com, for instance. From geeky chic glasses to playful rectangular frames, shortsightedness has never been more fashionable. Besides, your favorite celebrity probably wears glasses too: Jenifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, or even Zooey Deschanel prove that glasses are stylish. The bottom line: Your quirks may well become your best features if you try.
#2. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself
You only focus on the things you are not. More often than not, when you look into the mirror, you can’t see past your weaknesses. Our self-critic voices can hide your strengths and power if you’re not careful. There is no secret, though. If you’re going to shut down your inner critic, you need to challenge yourself and boost your confidence. Something as simple as working out regularly can help you push your boundaries. It can improve your flexibility, your agility, your appearance, your health. But exercising also boosts your self-esteem. It proves to you that things you couldn’t do before can be achievable if you focus your energy. Truth be told, it feels incredible when you complete your first 5 miles run or your long hike in the hills. It instantly changes your perception of yourself, from a loser to a winner.
#3. Nobody is perfect
You’ve heard it before. Perfection is not of this world. You are not perfect. But nor is your neighbor, your best friend, or your worst enemy. We all have self-doubts that we refuse to share with others. So you might be comparing yourself against a slimmer friend, for instance, without realizing that she feels embarrassed about her skinny frame and envies you. You beat yourself up for not being as much of a confident speaker as your co-worker, but what you don’t know is that they practice a lot to get rid of their fear of speaking in public. In short, we’re all in the same boat, thinking that everyone else is a lot better than us.
#4. What does it really mean to be perfect?
Before you torture yourself on how to become as perfect as you can, take some time to refresh your memory. Jesus refers to the need for being perfect. You can find this famous verse in Matthew 5:48:
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Now, what does it mean to be perfect according to the Bible? For many, the verse means leading a sinless life. However, you could read something else into it. Indeed, the word perfect was derived from the Greek teleios, which means complete and fulfilling its intended function. In other terms, the Bible doesn’t condemn imperfection. It merely requires you to carry on moving and growing until you can become more mature. It doesn’t mean you can’t have flaws. On the contrary, you should learn from them and carry on repenting and making things right.
#5. Don’t acknowledge your flaws, learn to fight them
Consequently, if you embrace perfection in the biblical sense, you accept that you have weaknesses. These flaws are part of your journey to ‘perfection’, as they guide you toward a path of self-improvement, mentally, physically, and spiritually. You can choose to open up your mind by reading more books, for instance. Creating a room in which you can relax and get inspired at home can also give you all the energy boost you need to get started with everyday challenges. Finally, the most important thing you can do on your path to self- imperfection is to ask for feedback. Listen carefully to the criticism; it can be a constructive experience.
#6. Turn frustration into love
Self-improvement doesn’t mean you can turn something you hate about yourself into a positive feature. Self-improvement begins with love, and learning to love your flaws and forgive yourself. Yes, you are not perfect. Yes, there are things you can’t quite get right at the moment. But consider your journey with love. You have to love yourself to become a better person. If you start on your quest for betterment in anger, frustration, and dislike, your efforts will be counterproductive.
#7. Don’t apologize for your flaws
Unapologetically me.
You’ve probably come across the saying from positivity influencers. It is true that you shouldn’t feel the need to apologize to others for your flaws. However, self-love and self-empowerment are no excuse for making people around you feel uncomfortable. You are entitled to your tastes, opinions, and preferences. They are part of who you are. Nevertheless, you can’t use these as an excuse for abusive behaviors toward others. Unapologetically me is no green light for ‘anything goes as long as you respect your true self’.
In conclusion, not being perfect is a challenge of every day. But it’s also what makes life so much more interesting. Are you ready to embrace your imperfection and carry on growing with every new day?
