The word perfect has been poisoning this generation with anxiety, stress, and depression. We’ve been fed the perfect look, perfect lifestyle, perfect home, perfect partner, and perfect job through social media and influencers. On the surface, these perfectly assembled lives may seem flawless, but upon closer inspection, we find all the imperfections hiding behind them. Unfortunately, most people don’t look past the surface.
This shift in how we live has made us more concerned with how things look rather than how they feel. It's easy to compare appearances and create a competition—who has the best house, the best job, the best body—but what happens is we end up feeling unfulfilled. After all, looking good in others’ eyes is never enough to make us feel good in our own skin. We find ourselves seeking validation from external sources, constantly adjusting our actions to win others’ approval, and, in the end, we’re left feeling anxious, depressed, and utterly miserable.
We must start living for ourselves, aligned with our own beliefs and values, accepting our capabilities, and finding peace in simply doing the best we can. We need to silence the perfectionist little demon whispering in our ears, “You’re not enough, everyone will hate you, you’ll fail.” It’s time to listen to our hearts instead.
Personally, I find myself getting mad at myself for the smallest of mistakes. I still relive moments when I got frustrated with a driver, assuming he was in the wrong lane—only to find out I was wrong. It was a silly mistake, but I can’t seem to let it go. I catch myself being harsh for using two extra squares of toilet paper, leaving the bathroom lights on for hours, or forgetting the water running for a few seconds. Or even when I eat meat, buy products wrapped in plastic, or don’t stick to my eco-friendly habits.
I’m still learning to be kind to myself, trying to accept my imperfections in a perfect way. I’m working on embracing my limitations and letting go of the need to control every little thing.
Perfectionism is a trap—it's boring. Once something is perfect, there’s no room to grow; it’s stagnant, lifeless. But imperfection is exciting! It’s full of possibility, offering space to evolve and live a dynamic life. Be kind to yourself, and have the courage to make mistakes, to learn, and to grow. That’s how we improve, not by striving for unattainable perfection but by doing our best in all areas of life—whether it’s at work, with friends and family, or in our efforts to live sustainably.
The concept of what’s right is often vague and constantly shifting. What’s right today might seem wrong tomorrow, and vice versa. That’s why it’s so important to stop punishing yourself for not being perfect and trust that, by embracing your true self, you’ll find the right path for you.
So, stop comparing yourself to others. Stop worrying about what they think. Take action guided by your heart and learn from your own mistakes as you continue improving day by day. Whether it’s in your relationships, career, or efforts to be more eco-friendly, remember: all you can do is your best, and that’s enough.
I invite you to reflect on your own struggles with perfectionism. What are the moments that make you overly critical of yourself? How do you manage them? Feel free to share your story in the comments, and let’s support each other in embracing our imperfections. Together, we can take small steps toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
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