YOU ARE (IM)PERFECTLY FINE THE WAY YOU ARE

How many times have you spontaneously executed an idea? Or pulled back because you thought that the idea was not perfect enough? Perhaps you’ve experienced the latter more than the former.It’s because you’re chasing perfection.

I know the feeling. Trust me, I was a perfectionist myself – until I reflected on my obsession with perfection. I realised it had not taken me far.

In my entrepreneurial journey, I have made more imperfect moves than perfect ones. But today, I embrace my imperfections, because without them I would not have been where I am.

In this post, I want to share some new ways to look at perfection, so that you can move ahead just the way you are.

My brush with the idea of perfection

Recently, I was invited to an international school to talk to teens about Alternate Careers. I spoke to them about how as a Coach, I help people accept themselves with their imperfections.

One child sprung up: Imperfections are not good – we should seek perfection. I wrapped the session by making the children declare: I accept my imperfections. I love myself along with all my imperfections. But I knew that this was more easily said than done.

The idea of perfection is deep rooted since our childhood. Our conditioned upbringing makes us believe that we should be perfect. We have a gun on our head. Yet, it doesn’t make us perfect.

Let’s stand up and get that thought out. Affirm this thought: It’s ok that I am imperfect. No one is perfect. There’s nothing called perfection.

Stop waiting for perfection: Just get going

In the Bollywood flick ‘Metro’, there is a scene about someone who waits to get his car out until he is sure that he will only get green signals on the way. Ironically, he’ll never know if the signals are green until he gets the car out.

I believe perfectionism is like that. Because if you wait for the perfect moment, you may never move out. But when you are out with your imperfections, you can go closer to your idea of perfection.

Think about it!

Take one step at a time and take the first step as soon as you can, without worrying about how prepared you may be. Learning is an on-going journey. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get to where you want to be.

Take inspiration from Reid Hoffman’s words: If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched it too late.

Imperfect is beautiful

Do you often do this self-talk – I want to be perfect with the work that I do? When you slip up, you feel not good enough. Defeats the purpose of self-talk, right? Unless you consider self-talk as a way of pulling yourself down.

Remember, your beauty lies in accepting your imperfections. After all, you are perfectly unique and there will never be anyone like you.

I leave you with a freebie below. Make it your wallpaper, or print and pin it on your workstation. It’s my mantra. Let me know if it works for you.