Imperfections and the Key to Acceptance

Growing up, in any and every aspect of my life, I have constantly been bombarded with pressure. The pressure to succeed, to achieve great things, or in general, just be better. Now, this is in no way forced upon me. Instead, this need to achieve great things and succeed, whether it be academics or even hobbies, comes from within. Nonetheless, these high expectations always wind up making me seek something more than what is in front of me. However, over the years, I have noticed that many of my friends and other youth also feel this way.

From a young age, we are given various definitions of perfection. Whether it is getting a 100% or being awarded 1st place, this definition always varies. As a result, many of us build up this idea of what success is. By doing so, we get caught up in getting a result that is “good enough,” rather than enjoying the process. This mindset can often lead to stress, frustration and in general, just unhappiness. Oftentimes, this leads us to work toward unachievable goals. Ultimately, we get stuck in a cycle of bad moods, stress and hatred for the activities we once loved. 

However, instead of going down this unending spiral, I have compiled a list of things that help me accept my work for what it is. 

Self-acknowledgement 

In our day to day lives, we almost always compliment or acknowledge the hard work of others. However, oftentimes we neglect acknowledging our own efforts and accomplishments. Instead, we focus solely on the outcome. By doing so, we disregard the time and effort that the activity required. However, by making ourselves aware of the process that led there, we discover many things. First of all, we recognize places where we could have improved. Secondly, we realize the happiness the activity brought us. For example, if someone were learning to crochet, their work may have some flaws. However, recognizing the time and effort they put into the scarf can help them appreciate it. Therefore, by acknowledging the hard work and happiness the task brought us, we can find motivation to keep going.

Rewarding the Small Accomplishments

Oftentimes, many of us reward ourselves for big accomplishments, such as getting our learners or getting hired for our first jobs. However, we often neglect the little things. For example, taking the time to workout everyday deserves the same amount of recognition that any large accomplishment would. By rewarding ourselves for the little things, we gain a sense of accomplishment. Subsequently, this optimistic outlook can motivate us to achieve our goals and feel more successful as a result. For example, while working towards their fitness goal, an individual may reward themselves after choosing a healthier snack. As a result, they will be less likely to give up on their journey or feel unsatisfied. Therefore, while it is important to celebrate our big accomplishments, the small achievements deserve to be rewarded as well. 

Good Support Systems 

One thing that has truly helped me accept my imperfections are my family and friends. I believe that finding good support systems are crucial to accepting our mistakes. Talking through our problems and having the support of our loved ones is truly helpful. We have to remember that at the end of the day, no matter the result or level of success, these people will always be there for us.

No Comparisons

I know that we have all heard this one countless times, but it’s true! I often catch myself comparing my results to others. While this is a habit that is easy to slip into, we need to stop! Instead, by focusing solely on our work, we can be happier and achieve satisfaction. There will always be someone smarter or better than us, but accepting that is key. Comparing will only lead to disappointment and lower our confidence. Therefore, focusing only on our product will help us stay positive and motivated. 

Considering the Long Term Effects

Another important thing to keep in mind is the long term impact. One imperfection or “bad result” may seem like a big deal in the moment. However, in the long term, we have to ask ourselves: will it truly matter? By understanding that this “bad” result is a small speck in a sea, we can look past it and improve the next time. For example, if someone gets a 70% on a hard test, it is crucial to think about its long term effects. This individual should recognize that this bad mark is not important in the bigger scheme of things. Rather, they should focus on improving and not making the same mistakes in the future. By doing this, we will have more motivation and confidence in ourselves and our abilities. 

Finally, while it may seem obvious, learn to accept the outcome for what it is. As long as we have given it our best shot, whatever the result is, is good enough. In the future, we will grow and have a different skill set but accepting what we have now is key. I hope that this blog helped you guys come to terms with the imperfections in your lives. I hope you now understand that while there may be this pressure to succeed, there are ways to be optimistic and motivated with what you are capable of right now!

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