5 Huge Benefits toEmbracing Imperfection

There’s more pressure than ever before to get things right in every part of your life, to be perfect. Gadgets, apps, and advice on how to be your very best all the time surround us. But that’s such an illusion. No one can be perfect; it just isn’t humanly possible.

It’s great to set the bar high, to go after challenges and stretch yourself. But you can’t expect to win at everything all the time. Sit back for a minute and consider the benefits of embracing imperfection and recalibrate.

1. You’ll be happier

Perfectionists carry a LOT trying to look as though their entire world is 110% wonderful all the time. Those who live under the often self-imposed pressure can be at a higher risk of depression and anxiety, and hardly embrace contentment.

Embrace the messy, flawed parts of your life and yourself, and you’ll be way less stressed.

• You won’t fear failure so much

Accepting imperfection means failure shrinks back down to being just another normalized aspect of life. Perfectionists tend to take failure personally. It becomes a catastrophe and something that defines their sense of self. But accepting that to make mistakes is human means you see your failure moments as an opportunity to learn, make the necessary changes, and move on.

• Embracing imperfection makes you a better person

If you’re comfortable with imperfection, you won’t be so quick to criticize and judge others harshly. And that will make you a much nicer friend, colleague, and family member. You’ll be less likely to blow your fuse at trivial things, you will be likely to extend compassion graciously and relationships will be more rewarding.

• Your self-esteem will increase

People who accept their flaws and quirks and are less likely to vilify themselves when they make a mistake. Perfectionists are usually their own harshest critics; their self-esteem is fragile and easily crushed. Acknowledgment of your humanity means you’re less likely to feel guilty or ashamed when you make a mistake or don’t reach your goals as soon as you might have liked.

• You will inspire others

Imperfection is the keynote of being a human. It’s how we learn and progress and connects us. Gracefully accepting the ebbs and flows of life will make you someone with attributes that people can value and admire, more importantly, you can too.