THE THOUGHT

You know what's perfect? Math. It’s consistent, predictable, and beautifully precise. But life rarely follows neat patterns, and people are about as messy as they come. Yet many of us continually chase perfection, squeezing complex human experiences into rigid boxes shaped by borrowed standards.

I've pursued perfection for most of my life, and if I've learned anything, it's that flawless living rarely feels rewarding. In fact, it can be quite boring. It took years of introspection to accept my imperfections—and many more to genuinely celebrate them.

But why do we chase perfection? What's the cost of this pursuit? And perhaps most importantly, perfect according to whom?

THE DEEP DIVE

The Price of Chasing Perfect

At its core, perfectionism is about seeking safety through predictability. From an early age, we're conditioned to chase gold stars, and over time, we internalize the belief that perfection equals acceptance.

But perfectionism’s promise of safety is misleading. Research shows perfectionistic tendencies correlate with increased anxiety, stress, and even burnout. These are some of the ways perfectionism exacts its cost:

• Blocked Creativity: Creativity significantly increases when perfectionist expectations are relaxed. Innovation rarely arises from perfect conditions; it emerges when we're free to explore, experiment, and embrace mistakes.

• Strained Relationships: Perfectionists often avoid intimacy, fearing vulnerability will expose their flaws. Authentic relationships require openness and the courage to share imperfections. Trying to appear flawless makes genuine connection exhausting and unsustainable.

• Reduced Emotional Well-being: People who strongly identify as perfectionists report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Fear of making mistakes contributes to lower self-esteem and reduced overall life satisfaction.

Ultimately, perfectionism pretends to protect us, but it silently limits our freedom. The richest parts of life emerge when we embrace imperfection, accept vulnerability, and choose authenticity over a flawless presence.

THE PRACTICE

Authentic Over Perfect 

If every human were mass-produced from a single mold—identical, predictable, perfect—would you rather be exactly like millions of others or the one shaped by a single malfunction? Would you rather be commonly perfect or uniquely flawed? To me, it’s the oddly-shaped Cheeto that makes the bag interesting.

Here's an experiment, if you dare:

• Allow yourself to do one small thing imperfectly today. Send the email without endless editing. Share an idea that's still in progress. Let someone see the messiness of your process.

• Reflect. Did you experience a shift? Did it feel liberating, uncomfortable, or perhaps both?

Imperfection isn't about lowering your standards, it's about genuine self-expression. It means showing up as yourself, without apology, even when that feels uncomfortable.

I’ll leave you with this: “being your best” doesn't mean “being perfect.” Perfection is the safest way to remain unremarkable. Your imperfections are traces of your humanity. They make you uniquely yourself, beautifully distinct from everyone else. Don’t be afraid to be perfectly flawed.