The Pursuit of Perfection

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Perfection: the quality or state of being perfect such as:

• Flawlessness
• Saintly
• Unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence
• Exemplification of supreme excellence
• The act or process of perfecting

(Merriam-Webster)

Sound like something you chase after? Perhaps it’s that picture perfect home you see on Pinterest or maybe the perfect pie crust? Well, let’s talk about perfection and pie crust. Martha Stewart is considered the perfect homemaker. She exudes perfection. But, take a step back. She spent 5 months in jail for lying about the sale of a stock. Doesn’t sound perfect to me. Perfection is often very deceiving.

We are all in the pursuit of our idea of perfection. Or is it really someone else’s?

All too often, we are not really pursuing our ideas of what it perfect. It is society, our friends, family or maybe even those we don’t even know or like. Perhaps there is a degree of perfection that is okay. If you enjoy calligraphy, there is nothing wrong with practicing until you perfect that letter G. There is a problem with obsessing over it and the inability to move on to the next letter.

My husband is 19 years older than me. He can come off as gruff and often people aren’t sure if he’s serious or joking. Don’t ask him anything you don’t want an unfiltered, honest answer to. Ever. Many would not consider him perfect by any means. For me, he is perfect. My perfect isn’t your perfect. It’s not even my husband’s perfect. But it makes me happy and works for me.

You should ask yourself some questions about your own pursuit of perfection:

• Why am I pursuing XXXX?
• Does it make me happy?
• What are the markers of perfection?
• How will I know I’ve reached perfection?
• How does it benefit me to be perfect in XXXX?

Consider your answers. Are they reflective of your own thoughts and desires? If not, who’s are reflected?

When I think of overachieving perfection, Bree Van de Camp comes to mind. Ever watch that show? On the outside, she had it all together. From her house to her gourmet meals, Bree ate, drank and slept perfection. But in truth, her life was anything but. In fact, it was often that desire for things to be perfect that were her undoing.

Are you trading being perfect for real things in life? Does deep cleaning come before hanging out with family? Do you spend more money on matching outfits for a family picture that your do on a family outing? If so, you are creating the picture perfect life, but you certainly aren’t living it. So what if your sink has a ring around it. Family game night is way more fun. If your dress isn’t the exact shade that compliments your husbands tie, the picture will still be of your family.

Embrace who you are. Be authentic. While people may admire perfection from afar, it’s imperfection they prefer to be near. Perfect seems cold, unfeeling and unreal. Imperfection is relatable.

Be real. It looks better on you.

There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.

Anonymous