The Unexpected Benefits of Embracing Imperfection

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“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
― Brené Brown

Are you stuck in what feels like a never ending cycle of counterproductive productivity? Where you wake up in the morning, determined to tackle every single item on your to-do list, flawlessly…and after hours of pain staking efforts, ironically only wound up in a bigger mess than you started with and are no where closer to completing your to-do list the way you imagined you would?

The problem all lies in this one word….”flawlessly”.

For months, I have been wanting to tackle the task of decluttering and reorganizing my closet and dresser. For months, I have thought about this task, felt anxious about starting this task as well as the fact that it’s still not done.

What’s stopping me from starting and finishing this task? My desire to complete the task perfectly the first go around. I’m talking Pinterest-worthy perfection. Home & Garden magazine cover perfection. Something Joanna Gaines and Martha Stewart would pat me on the back about.

So instead of doing something, anything at all, about this task that needs to be done, I’ve done nothing for months due to my qualms with the idea of imperfection.

UNREALISTIC perfection.

The Pressure to be Perfect

Between social media platforms, various magazines, and reality television the societal pressure to be “perfect” and have an “instagram worthy” home, life, body, etc is at n all time high. there is a degree of FOMO (fear of missing out) entangles into this problem as well.

We see different people, ones we know or may never meet in our lives, living these big, exciting, seemingly perfect lives on social media and end up with the idea in our heads that if you aren’t living a life like THAT, its imperfect. This can really wear on a person over time.

“Research has indicated that perfectionism plays a critical role in early mortality and in the etiology and maintenance of numerous forms of psychopathology.”

Don’t let the morbidity of that quote get to you, but take it for what it is. Perfectionism can really mess with a persons head over time, wearing down the integrity of one’s mental health. All for what?

The Illusion of Perfection

What is “perfection” really? Whose standards are we going by here? Some person who’s famous on the internet for doing something a certain way on camera? Something that is staged, pre planned, shot several times over, and potentially edited as well.

The idea of perfection, in reality is a subjective concept. Meaning, something that is perfect, is only so in the eye of the beholder. Not based on something that could potentially be staged to look perfect just for a photo or quick video made to be posted online.

Before you find yourself spending excessive time trying to duplicate something that appeared to be perfect through someone else’s lens, take a moment to consider how real that image of perfection truly is. Is it something that is truly attainable and maintainable? Without all the money and photo editing that went into creating the image of what you felt was of something perfect.

Whether you’re striving for the perfect home decor, perfect marriage, perfect physique, perfect whatever you saw online that you want to emulate because it seems so perfect, take some time to think about it first. Is this thing truly perfect or are only the good parts being displayed to the public? Is it something realistic and would the process of getting this level of “perfection truly make you happy if ever achieved?

The Benefits of Imperfection

There are certainly far more pros than cons with embracing imperfection over perfection in life. Primarily mental health benefits but there are also practical physical benefits as well. When you learn to embrace imperfection rather than chasing something unattainable, you learn to enjoy the things you do have and can do, rather than resenting how imperfect they appear to be. Ultimately reducing stress and anxiety levels, awakening your inner creative bug, and increasing your productivity.

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Once the constant desire to be perfect in every aspect can be let go, you will notice that a thousand pounds of pressure has been offloaded from your back. You might’ve heard stories of, or even experienced it yourself, parents who expect perfection from their children in every aspect, leaving that child is under constant pressure to meet all expectations. Doing this to yourself, without a parent enforcing it can be just as stressful and anxiety provoking.

Whether it’s a fear of failing or fear of judgement from others, there are certainly a number of heavy factors at play here that aren’t easily just let go of, I get it. Especially after years of operating that way.

Failure and imperfection are NOT synonymous.

Enhanced Creativity

I used to love painting, but stopped once I got older and began to convince myself that I shouldn’t even try if my painting wasn’t going to come out as perfect as I was envisioning it to be. Recently, I’ve picked the hobby back up and began focusing on the fact that I enjoy the art of putting paint on canvas and creating a picture with the colors more than I love imagining some perfect finished product.

Focusing on and enjoying what you are doing in the moment allows for far more creative freedom than when only one “perfect” outcome is envisioned and nothing else would be acceptable. Don’t let the idea of perfection steal your joy of the journey!

Increased Productivity

Once you break down the delusional walls of perfection you will find that you feel unstoppable. That wall that told you not to do something if it couldn’t be done perfectly, aren’t in your way anymore. Doing something imperfectly will feel far better than not doing it at all.

Focusing on progress over perfection is a life changing state of mind. When you are able to make this shift in mindset you will find that you are completing so many more tasks, resulting in a greater sense of accomplishment.

How to Stop Chasing Perfectionism

There are a number of things that a person can do to change their mind set and learn to embrace imperfection. All of which revolve around doing work on ones self.

• First of all, stop comparing yourself to others
• Take a social media hiatus, or delete it entirely
• Start focusing on the process rather than a perfect outcome
• Surround yourself with the right kind of people who lift you up despite what you feel are imperfections
• Learn to appreciate the things that make you unique
• Celebrate your mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow from
• Set realistic goals for yourself

Don’t let the idea of perfectionism keep you from doing the things you want to do in life. Perfectionism can take a toll on your overall mental health if you allow it to. Instead, by embracing imperfection and moving forward despite the ideas of perfection that surround you, you will learn to enjoy the process rather than living for the results.

Starting today, look for the joy in the things that you do each day by living in the moment. Rather than living in a day dream where perfect outcomes are the only acceptable outcomes. What is one thing you can do IMPERFECTLY today that would make a huge dent in your to-do list?