MAD ABOUT PERFECTION

Let’s talk about the idea of Perfection

This has been a topic weighing deeply on my heart as of late. I will admit that I am an extreme Type A personality. Which has proven to be both a blessing and a curse. I have a tendency to bite off far more than I can chew. Society pushes us to look, be, walk, talk and act “perfectly.” How does one break down the concept of perfection? Is it a pressure to be like everyone else? The need to fit in? The struggle to become something you are not? The notion of perfection is relentlessly broad and vague. The mere idea of it is perceived vastly different by every person.

Let’s change the narrative. I would like to replace the word “perfect” with “progress.” Notice how the second word evokes hope, inspiration, patience and positivity? Where the word perfect implies that one is finished, and that he or she cannot become any better. That something must be achieved and accomplished with greatness or else failure. Perfection requires no grey area or middle ground. I have news for you if you are battling the abstraction of perfection: Life is not meant to be nor will ever be “perfect.”

Game changer. Let yourself lose the desire to be perfect, to have it all together and to be right all of the time. The bruises, scars and mistakes are what color the tapestry of life. Safety is boring and mundane. A truly fulfilling life is meant to be lived. Therefore, perfection cannot exist. Being excessively hard on yourself is not healthy and will burn you out. Healthy is being driven, passionate, determined and ambitious. Trying to reach an irrational and unattainable goal will ironically end in unhappiness and defeat. Forcing yourself to look flawless 24/7, or being a picture perfect wife, student or daughter is crazy. Everyone has rough edges, some simply hide them better. My argument is we should not feel ashamed of our quirks, differences or problems, but rather embrace them and use them for good.

Social media is the main source of stress in regards to the idea of perfection for me. Being a blogger and a creative urges the common misconception of highlighting the very best parts of themselves in order to be liked and followed. However, the more authentic you are, the more people are relieved and can relate to you—thus, wanting to follow and get to know you! Turns out, the opposite of what we think people want is actually what is greatly needed. It is important to note that not putting in any effort is not sufficient either. There should be a balance of hard work and gentle openness. You can be happy, beautiful and fun, while also being raw, vulnerable and real. Sure, it is “cool” to have a nice bag or to go on a fancy vacation and document it, however, it is also “cool” to express the ups and downs of your life so that maybe someone won’t feel as alone.

I created Mad About Manhattan to be an open and safe space for me and hopefully for all of you. Where I can share issues and topics that I am personally experiencing or have found peers struggling with. A platform where I choose to divulge my deeper thoughts and concerns. Of course this is not always easy, but it does feel highly cathartic and is rewarding. I challenge you to stop listening to that little voice in the back of your mind nitpicking your every thought and move. The one that tells you that you are not enough. We are stronger and more interesting than the delusion of perfection.

There will still be times where we will fall into the trap of wondering if we should be prettier, more thin, smarter, faster or more successful. But would it not be more exciting and awesome to celebrate where we are right now? How far we have come? How proud we are of what we have accomplished? The beauty in being healthy, feeling grateful and giving back? Let us all aspire to progress. To learn from our mistakes, make changes, try new things and be ready for all outcomes. This is what social media does not promote, but we can supplement this by remembering that perfection is not reality.

I Pledge:

To wake up every morning counting my blessings
To cultivate body positivity, and be gentle with myself when looking in the mirror
Not to bottle up any fears or insecurities, but to write them down for myself to work through
To avoid the pitfalls of social media by not comparing myself to photo shop and false representations
To simply love myself and be confident in what I have to bring to the table, knowing my self worth
To show everyone kindness, for we are all fighting hard battles
To be patient with deadlines, road blocks, sad days, growing moments and things we would like to change

I hope you have loosened the reigns on your idea of perfection after reading this post, I know I have. I am sending you love and letting you know that I am right there with you—we are all in this together.

Enjoy the journey, & let us make some… progress. Xo