Embrace imperfection. Life is a process driven by practice.
Recently on LinkedIn, the question was asked, “What does imperfection feel like to you?”
Responses varied from imprecation being constructive to imperfections being equalizers showing that everyone one of us is imperfectly human. How we adapt and overcome our imperfections is what makes us successful.
Perfection is the need to set unrealistic expectations, making you critical of your performance and ability. Mistakes are a part of the learning process, and this fosters growth. Forbes.com states that perfectionism blinds us from seeing our strengths, working with integrity, and generating our best creativity.
I think that imperfections have become my greatest strength. Our imperfections make us unique. They provide experience, joy, heartache, and, most importantly, growth. My imperfections always drive me to try to improve and become the best version of myself.
Imperfections can improve your job performance and enhance your career. In the book “Bet on You” by Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch, they discuss that imperfection invokes procrastination. There is no clear or straight path forward. Strive for good enough, as that is the gateway to greatness.
Some downsides of perfectionism are that it increases stress, anxiety, and depression.
Ways to overcome perfectionism:
- Embrace imperfections and shift your perspective on how you perceive yourself.
The key here is perception. We are hardest on ourselves and need to be kind to ourselves. For example, I ask a lot of questions. I ask questions to understand better. I have been told I ask too many questions. I have learned the strength in this is that I want to understand better. Curiosity is never a bad thing.
- Find the positive in your flaws.
Flaws are typical, and they show we are human. I do not mean that we brag about our faults, but we can find ways to be positive to work on improving.
- Realize that imperfections make you human.
No one is perfect. Perfection stifles growth.
- Focus on the process instead of perfection.
The worst thing any business or person can say is, “We have always done it that way.” Technology changes and evolves, and there is always a way to improve the process.
There is beauty in messing up. Every day is a fresh start to try again.
By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director & CEO, MBA