Perfection is an Illusion

I was talking with a friend yesterday and she said something along the lines of “being a work in progress doesn’t make you less of a masterpiece” and something immediately clicked inside of me because that’s so true yet so dismissed, right?

Like, most people strive for perfection at one point… Perfection or success, satisfaction and the value that is socially added to someone with those characteristics, but being a work in progress is actually a clear sign of being alive, as a masterpiece recreating itself, because the past shaped you into something better, taught you, moved you and placed you where you are today and for me, that’s frankly successful, to be honest.

Let me tell you something: I used to live ashamed all the time, for everything. Sometimes I didn’t feel like I was enough, special, or valuable and made many mistakes, even neglecting my spirit, body and mind to fit others’ standards and positions, unconsciously leaving my own at the very bottom of the pit. I was obviously tired and uncomfortable because comparison entered the game and it was fucking exhausting.

Today, after years of inner work and dismantling old beliefs, I can say that I’m proud of the girl I was because she overcame so much to meet me here, and the greatest part is that there’s so much that I get to experience in the future and my present self is not even aware of it; so the same may happen to you!

I have some tips to share with you. These helped me understand my journey on a deeper level and discover ways to overcome this sort of perfectionist tendencies, may help you as well:

1- Become more aware of your tendencies.

2- For everything you’re not quite satisfied with, challenge yourself to identify three things that you do appreciate. Focus on the good and it will get better.

3- Allow yourself to make mistakes and try to see them as opportunities to learn, grow and do better.

4- Work on your self-esteem and try to recognize that healthy criticism can be helpful and is normal. Stop taking everything personally and you'll see the shift!

5- Cut out negative influences that shape you and trigger your most harmful tendencies. Maybe you'll find them in your circle, maybe online (as in social media), maybe at work; try to identify them and regulate the impact they have on you.

Last but not least, embody your essence, your mistakes, your spirit and everything that’s shaping a better version of yourself, even if it doesn’t feel natural at first, and reach out to your preferred type of specialist (from therapists to coaches) to help you along the way.

I’m Kim Keane and I’ll love to help you grow into your best version of yourself. Contact me!